Mammograms 101: What to Expect at Your First Mammogram

If you’ve never had a mammogram before, it’s completely normal to have questions. What should you wear? How long will it take? Will it hurt? And what happens if you’re called back for additional images?

Knowing what to expect can take some of the mystery out of your first mammogram—and help you walk into your appointment feeling more prepared.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it a good time to talk about mammograms, breast health and the importance of having an ongoing conversation with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that’s appropriate for you.

First Things First: What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to look for changes that may be too small to see or feel. Screening mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms develop, when it may be easier to treat.  Recommendations about when to begin screening and how often to have a mammogram can vary depending on factors such as your age, personal medical history, family history and individual risk.

That’s why your primary care provider can be an important part of the conversation. Together, you can discuss your risk factors and determine which preventive screenings may be appropriate for you.

How Should I Prepare for My Mammogram?

Fortunately, there isn’t much preparation involved, but a few simple steps can make your appointment easier.

On the day of your mammogram, avoid applying deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, cream or perfume around your breasts or underarms. Some of these products can contain substances that may show up on mammogram images.

Consider wearing a two-piece outfit rather than a dress, since you’ll need to undress from the waist up for the exam. You may also want to leave necklaces and other jewelry that could interfere with the images at home.

If you have had previous mammograms at another facility, ask whether those images should be transferred to your current imaging center. Comparing new images with previous ones can be helpful to the radiologist.

And don’t be afraid to tell the mammography technologist that this is your first mammogram. They can explain what is happening as you go.

What Actually Happens During a Mammogram?

During the exam, a technologist will position one breast at a time on the mammography machine.  A second plate will gradually compress the breast while the X-ray images are taken. 

Yes, the compression can be uncomfortable.  However, each image takes only a short time, and compression is important because it helps spread the breast tissue so the radiologist can see it more clearly while using a lower dose of radiation.

You’ll be repositioned for several images so different views of the breast can be captured.  If something feels especially painful, tell your technologist. Communication is always appropriate during an exam.

How Long Does a Mammogram Take?

The mammogram itself is generally a fairly quick procedure, although your total appointment time will vary by facility.

Allow yourself enough time that you aren’t rushing into—or out of—the appointment. Your first mammogram may feel a little less intimidating when you know you have time to ask questions and understand the process.

What Does It Mean If I Have “Dense Breasts”?

You may see the term “dense breasts” in your mammogram results. Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. You cannot tell whether you have dense breasts simply by how your breasts look or feel—it is determined through mammography.

Dense breast tissue is common. It can also make mammograms more difficult to interpret because dense tissue and some abnormalities can both appear white on a mammogram.

Breast density is also one of the factors associated with breast cancer risk. Federal regulations require mammography facilities to notify patients about their breast density, so don't be surprised if you see this information in your report.

If you are told that you have dense breasts, it does not mean that something is wrong. It does mean it's worth discussing the finding with your healthcare provider, who can consider your breast density along with your age, family history and other individual risk factors when talking with you about screening.

Called Back After a Mammogram? Don’t Panic.

Getting a call that you need additional breast imaging can be unsettling—especially after your first mammogram. But a callback does not automatically mean that cancer has been found. It simply means the radiologist needs more information.

There are many reasons you may be asked to return. Dense breast tissue can make mammogram images more difficult to interpret. Normal breast tissue can overlap and create an area that deserves a second look. Cysts and other benign breast changes, including fibrocystic changes, may also result in findings that need further evaluation. Sometimes, the reason is as simple as needing a clearer image or a different view of a particular area.

Additional testing may include more mammogram images or a breast ultrasound. Depending on what the radiologist sees, other follow-up testing may sometimes be recommended.  The important thing is to follow through with the recommended imaging so your healthcare team can get the information they need.

And while waiting for answers can be stressful, try not to jump ahead of the information you actually have:  A callback means “we need a closer look,” not “you have cancer.”

When Will I Get My Results?

The timing can vary depending on the imaging facility. Ask when and how you should expect to receive your results before you leave your appointment.

When you receive your results, read the entire patient notification—not just the first few lines. Pay attention to any recommendation for additional imaging or follow-up, and contact your healthcare provider if there is anything you don't understand.

Most importantly, don't put off recommended follow-up because you're nervous about what it might mean. Getting the additional information is what allows your healthcare team to determine the appropriate next step.

Your Mammogram Is One Part of Your Preventive Care

Breast cancer screening isn't something you have to navigate on your own.

Your healthcare provider can help you consider your age, health history, family history and other risk factors when discussing breast cancer screening. If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family—or you're simply unsure what your family history means for you—bring it up at your next visit.

In fact, we'll explore family history and cancer risk more closely in our next blog.

And if you've been putting off a conversation about preventive screenings, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to start one.

At Access HealthCare Multispecialty Group, we're here to help patients throughout Lynchburg, Forest and the surrounding Central Virginia community take an active role in their health. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your individual risk factors, answer questions about preventive screenings and determine a screening schedule that's appropriate for you.

Ready to start the conversation? Learn more about Access HealthCare Multispecialty Group at https://access-healthcare.net.

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