If you’ve never had a mammogram before, it can be hard to know exactly what will happen. You may have many questions before, during and after the procedure about anything from preparation, the mammogram machine or your screening results.
The good news is that a mammogram is a quick, simple screening that plays an important role in detecting breast cancer, often before symptoms appear. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared going into your appointment.
Prepping for a mammogram
When scheduling your appointment, try to aim for the week after menstruation, so your breasts are less likely to be tender. If you’re concerned about discomfort or pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen just before the screening.
On the day of your appointment, do not apply any of the following to your chest or underarms:
- Deodorants
- Antiperspirants
- Lotions
- Powders
- Perfumes
Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top for the screening. You will be given a gown to wear.
During the mammogram
When you begin the screening exam, the mammography technologist will ask you to stand in front of the specialized X-ray machine. They will take one arm out of your gown to take images of that breast, keeping your other breast covered. Each breast will be placed on a platform on the machine, and the breast tissue will be briefly compressed while the machine takes X-ray images.
While these images are captured, you’ll be asked to stand still and hold your breath. The more you can relax, the more comfortable the exam will be. The entire process only takes 10-20 minutes.
What to do next
There’s no downtime after this process; you can go right back to your normal day after your appointment is finished. Your breasts may be sore for a little while.
The X-ray images of your breasts will be sent to a radiologist, who will read and interpret the mammogram images and send your results. Typically, if anything abnormal is detected and follow-up is required, someone will be in contact with you. Most mammograms are completed without any concerning findings.
Now that you know what to expect, don’t wait to get answers about your breast health.