ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mean glandular dose

Mean glandular dose is a way to measure how much radiation a person could receive during a mammogram. When you go to get a mammogram, the machine takes pictures of your breast to check for any problems. However, these pictures are made using a type of radiation called X-rays.

To make sure that the mammogram is safe, doctors measure the amount of radiation the X-rays are giving off. This is called the mean glandular dose and is measured in a unit called milligray (mGy). Think of it like a measuring cup that helps the doctor know how much of the X-ray radiation is getting to your breast.

Doctors want to make sure that the mean glandular dose is not too high, because high doses of radiation can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer. They use special equipment to make sure that the mean glandular dose is the right amount for each person, especially for those with smaller or denser breasts.

So, mean glandular dose is like a safety measure that helps protect you from too much radiation during a mammogram.