It's been a few years since my last mammogram. I have a family history of breast cancer and extremely fibrocystic breasts. My nine-month-old is still nursing with gusto. I never thought I'd miss the cold vise-grip of the X-ray machine, but at 38, I'm getting anxious for the peace of mind the test can bring. How long must I wait after weaning before accurate films can be obtained?

M.L.

Mammograms can be done while you are nursing, but they are more difficult to interpret due to the increase in milk glands. For that reason, they are generally done only if you or your doctor feel a lump in the breast. If you do find a lump, mammography or ultrasound should be done right away. Ultrasounds can be a useful accessory to mammograms, helpful in determining if a lump is solid or fluid-filled. For a routine screening mammogram, wait a few months after you wean your baby.