If you've never had a mammogram before—or it's simply been a while—it's normal to have questions.
What should you wear? Will it hurt? How long will it take? And what actually happens once you walk into the exam room?
Knowing what to expect can make your mammogram feel a little less intimidating. Here's a simple guide to help you prepare.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray image of the breast. Mammography is an important breast cancer screening tool because it can detect some breast cancers before a lump can be felt or other symptoms develop.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine when you should begin mammography and how frequently you should be screened based on your age and individual risk factors.
There are a few things you can do to help your mammogram go smoothly.
Skip deodorant, lotion, powder and perfume on the day of your exam. Particles from these products can sometimes appear on mammogram images.
Consider wearing a two-piece outfit since you'll need to undress from the waist up for the exam.
If you've had mammograms at another facility, ask about having your previous images sent to your new mammography center. Comparing current and previous images can be helpful when your mammogram is interpreted.
You should also let the mammography team know if you have breast implants or any physical limitations that could affect positioning during the exam.
When it's time for your exam, you'll stand in front of a mammography machine.
A trained technologist will position one breast at a time on a platform. A clear plastic plate will then compress the breast for a few seconds while the X-ray image is taken. Several images will typically be taken from different angles.
You'll then repeat the process with the other breast.
Breast compression can feel uncomfortable, and some people experience brief pain or pressure. The compression itself lasts only a few seconds for each image.
If you're uncomfortable during the exam, let your technologist know. They're there to help you through the process.
Although it isn't everyone's favorite part of a mammogram, compression serves an important purpose. Spreading out the breast tissue helps produce clearer images that can be evaluated for possible abnormalities.
Once your images have been taken, a radiologist reviews them for changes or areas that may need further evaluation.
Under federal mammography requirements, patients must receive a written summary of their mammography results within 30 days. If you don't receive your results, follow up rather than assuming everything is normal.
And remember: being asked to return for additional imaging does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. Sometimes more images are simply needed to get a closer look at a particular area.
Your mammogram results will also tell you whether your breasts are dense.
Dense breast tissue is common. It can make breast cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram and is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
If your report says you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for your individual risk and whether additional imaging may be appropriate.
For many people, the hardest part of getting a mammogram is simply making the appointment.
Knowing what will happen before, during and after your exam can take some of the mystery out of the experience. If you're due for a mammogram—or aren't sure when you should have one—talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that's appropriate for you.
Thorek Memorial Hospital offers digital mammography through its Radiology Department. This October, consider taking one simple step for your breast health: find out whether you're due for your next mammogram.
Learn more about Digital Mammography at Thorek →