Mammograms: How to prepare and what to expect

If you’ve got your annual mammogram on your calendar, good for you. You’re taking advantage of one of the safest and most accurate screenings available. Mammograms can find breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. That’s why most doctors urge their patients to get them.

Whether it’s your first mammogram or your 20th, here’s what you should know.

What is the best age to start getting mammograms?

Most women should begin scheduling regular mammograms at age 40. Those who have a greater chance of developing breast cancer may need to start screening at an earlier age, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). For example, your doctor might recommend early screening if your mother or sister had breast cancer. Or if you have a genetic risk, especially a BRCA1, BRCA2, or other mutation. After all, 1 in 8 women in the United States will eventually develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

How to prepare for your mammogram

There are several steps you can take to help your screening go more smoothly: 

Plan your appointment around your menstrual cycle if you’re premenopausal. If you’re screened a week or so after your period, the procedure may be less uncomfortable. Your breasts will be less tender too.

Dress comfortably. Since you’ll need to undress from the waist up, plan to wear a top with pants or a skirt. You’ll also have to remove any necklaces. 

Skip the deodorant and lotion. Skin creams, lotions, deodorant, or any other product on or near the chest area can interfere with the X-ray pictures. You’ll be asked to avoid them before your exam. 

Talk to the technician. Tell the mammogram provider about any of the following:

• You’ve noticed recent changes in either of your breasts.
• You’re at a high genetic risk of breast cancer.
• You’re breastfeeding.
• You may be pregnant.
• You have breast implants.

It’s important to mention skin abnormalities too. Moles, scars, and other spots can affect the image. So, point them out to the technician so they can mark them. Otherwise, they could be labeled as suspicious. 

What happens during the screening itself

The procedure takes less than half an hour. You’ll stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technician will position your breast on the machine. Then a plastic plate is lowered to flatten your breast. This evens out the thickness and allows for better visualization. The pressure also prevents motion that could blur the image.

You’ll be asked to hold your breath and remain motionless while the image is processed. Most full tests involve several pictures taken from above and from the sides of both breasts. Then you’ll wait while the technician confirms that the pictures are clear.

Keep in mind that your technician cannot give you the results of the test, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the exam

Once the mammogram is over, you can head home or back to work. Here’s what you can expect next:

Get the results. By law, the facility generally must send you written exam results within 30 days. Most patients hear from their doctor earlier though. If not, call and ask for the findings.

Ask questions. If you have any concerns, raise them with your doctor. Also, make sure you’re informed about the basic characteristics of your breasts.

Mammogram reports sent to patients should include information about breast density, according to the FDA. The report should say “not dense” or “dense.” Women who have dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer, according to the ACS.

Don’t panic if your results are unusual. Sometimes you may be asked to come back for more tests. It’s important to know that most breast changes found on a mammogram are not cancer. In some cases, the issue is related to the quality of the pictures themselves. And even when something is detected? It is far more likely to be a harmless cyst or dense breast tissue than anything serious.

If you get the all-clear, it’s still important to track your breast health at home too. Get to know how your breasts look and feel at different times of the month. Pay attention to any changes — and inform your doctor if something concerns you.

Stay healthy with preventive care. Stay up to date with the recommended screenings and tests for your age, gender, family history, and current health. Take charge of keeping your health on track today.