Mammograms 101

Annual mammograms are one of the best tools health care providers have to find breast cancer early.

Even so, getting your mammogram can be anxiety-inducing. Knowing how to prepare for — and what to expect from — this important screening may help eliminate some of that fear.

What happens during a mammogram?

The entire mammogram procedure takes about 30 minutes. You’ll need to undress from the waist up, and a member of the medical team will give you a gown to wear before the procedure.

Standing in front of a special X-ray machine, a technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. Each breast will be compressed for only 20 to 30 seconds.

While compression can be uncomfortable, it’s also important because it allows the breast tissue to spread and flatten. This provides a clear view of the entire breast and reduces the amount of radiation needed to make an image.

Having a mammogram may feel slightly painful depending on your personal pain tolerance. It’s OK to speak up, ask for a break or ask the technologist to reposition you.

Preparing for your mammogram

Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your menstrual period or during your period, when your breasts may be tender or swollen. It’s best to schedule the procedure for the week following your period — when your breasts are the least tender.

On the day of your mammogram, don’t wear deodorant, lotion or powder. These products can show up as white spots on the X-ray. And because you’ll need to undress from your waist up and wear a gown, consider wearing a two-piece outfit so you only have to remove your top.

Topics to bring up with your technologist

Before the exam, let your technologist know if you’re anxious or have any concerns. You may want to ask how long the mammogram will take, or when — and how — you can get the results if you haven’t already received that information.

Let your technologist know if you have breast implants. Getting a mammogram with breast implants is not an issue, but it changes how the technologist takes the images.

If you’re in pain during the procedure, say so and ask if anything can be done. The technologist may be able to reposition you in a more comfortable way. Most technologists have done so many mammograms that they’re experts at making the procedure as comfortable as possible.

After the mammogram

You’ll typically get mammogram results in the mail or via MyChart within a few days. A radiologist reads your mammogram and then sends the results to your doctor or other health care provider. Contact your provider or the mammography facility if you don’t receive a report of your results within a week.

If your mammogram is normal: Continue to get regular mammograms as your provider recommends. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous screenings. This allows the radiologist to look for changes in your breasts.

If your mammogram is abnormal: An abnormal mammogram does not always mean there’s cancer — suspicious findings usually aren’t cancer. They may just be cysts, dense tissue or the result of an unclear image.

Many women have an unusual finding on their first mammogram because there’s no previous image for comparison. Your provider will most likely order additional mammograms, tests or exams to investigate further.

It’s OK to be nervous

Many people get nervous about their annual mammogram. It’s normal to feel anxious when having a test that screens for cancer. The important thing is to acknowledge the anxiety but remember the bigger picture: This test can be lifesaving.