Your First Mammogram: What to Expect, Step by Step
Excerpt: A first mammogram feels less scary when you know what's coming. Sarah Patterson, WHNP, walks you through how to prepare, what happens in the room and what your results mean.
In this article
Before your appointment
On the day
What happens in the room
Does it hurt?
Getting your results
Frequently asked questions
National Mammography Day was October 16, and this month a lot of women in their 40s are booking their very first screening. If that's you, I'm glad you're doing it.
I also know it can feel a little nerve-racking. Most of that comes from not knowing what to expect. So let's walk through it, step by step, the way I would in the exam room.
Before your appointment
Get an order. Most imaging centers need an order from your provider. We can write one at your well-woman visit.
Pick a good week. If you can, avoid the week before or during your period, when breasts may be tender. The week after your period is often the most comfortable time.
Gather your history. Know whether anyone in your family has had breast or ovarian cancer. Dr. Ahadi's October breast health checklist has a quick list of questions to ask your relatives.
Ask about 3D mammography. Many centers now offer 3D mammograms, also called tomosynthesis. They take pictures in thin slices, which can make it easier to find small changes, especially in dense breasts.
On the day
Skip deodorant, powder and lotion on your breasts and underarms. They can show up as white spots on the images.
Wear a two-piece outfit, so you only need to remove your top.
Consider a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen about an hour before, if you're worried about discomfort.
Bring any prior imaging information if you've had breast imaging somewhere else.
What happens in the room
You'll change into a gown that opens in the front.
A technologist, usually a woman, will position one breast at a time on a flat plate.
A second plate gently presses down to flatten the breast for a few seconds while the picture is taken.
She'll take at least two pictures of each breast from different angles.
The whole visit usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the pressing part lasts only a few seconds per picture.
Does it hurt?
Most women describe it as pressure or brief discomfort, not pain. The pressure matters because it spreads the tissue out, which gives a clearer picture with less radiation.
If it hurts, tell the technologist. She can often adjust your position. You're always allowed to speak up.
Getting your results
Results usually come back within a few days, and you'll also see them in your patient portal.
Here's something I always tell first-timers: getting called back is common, and it usually isn't cancer. First mammograms have a higher callback rate, simply because there's no earlier picture to compare with. Most callbacks end with a few extra images or an ultrasound, and the answer is "all normal."
Your report will also tell you whether you have dense breast tissue. If it does, bring it to your next visit and we'll talk about whether extra screening makes sense.
Between mammograms
Keep getting familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice something new, don't wait for your next mammogram. Read Breast Changes: What's Normal and What's Worth a Call to know what to watch for.
No question about mammograms is too small. Ask me anything, and bring a list if you need to.
Book your well-woman visit or call (734) 242-2022.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a mammogram take? The whole appointment usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The actual pressing for each picture lasts just a few seconds.
Is the radiation from a mammogram safe? Yes. A mammogram uses a very low dose of radiation. For women of screening age, the benefit of finding cancer early far outweighs this small exposure.
Can I get a mammogram if I have implants? Yes. Let the imaging center know when you book. The technologist will use special techniques and take extra pictures to see around the implants.
What if I get called back? Try not to panic. Callbacks are common, especially after a first mammogram, and most turn out to be normal. Usually it means a few more pictures or an ultrasound.
References
National Cancer Institute. Mammograms.
About the author: Sarah Patterson, WHNP, is a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). A Monroe native, she cares for women through every stage of life, including breast concerns, well-woman exams and menopause.
This post is for general education and isn't medical advice.
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