Mammogram

Summary & Participants

Covers the mammogram process from start to finish. Provides details on what can be expected before, during, and after a mammogram.

Webcast Transcript

As you’re anticipating your mammogram, whether it’s your first or your tenth, there are likely a number of questions running through your mind. Will it hurt? Will I feel embarrassed? How soon will I get results? To help put your mind at ease, we’d like to tell you exactly what to expect before, during, and after the brief screening. Having a mammogram is a very common type of x-ray used to screen for breast cancer, and there are several simple things you can do in preparation for the test. If you have previously had a mammogram exam at another health facility, have the results sent ahead of time or bring them with you to your current exam. If possible, try to schedule your mammogram within two weeks after your menstrual period has ended, as the procedure will be most comfortable during that time. On the day of the test, do not use any deodorant, perfumes, powders or ointments under your arms or on your breasts. Also be sure to tell the technologist if you might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have breast implants. As you meet the technologist in the mammography suite, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects that may interfere with the x-ray image. You will then be asked to undress to the waist and put on a gown that opens from the front to wear during the procedure. At the beginning of your exam, the technologist will position one breast at a time on a flat plate that will obtain the image. You will rest your breast on the plate and a plastic compression device will briefly squeeze the breast from above to flatten it out, allowing for a clear, high-quality image to be taken. The surface may be a little chilly when you place your breast on it and you may find this part of the test uncomfortable, but not painful, as the breast is firmly compressed. For the few seconds while the x-ray is being taken you will need to hold your breath. Typically two images are taken of each breast. One top view from head to toe, and one side view that goes across the chest wall. It is likely you will stand for the procedure, which typically lasts ten to fifteen minutes. Once the initial images have been taken, you may be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are reviewed and it is determined if any repeat x-rays are needed to obtain an even better picture of the breast tissue. A radiologist will then examine the x-ray images from the mammogram and results are usually available within a few days. It is not uncommon to be asked to return for another test so an additional view of an area in question can be obtained. If you have further questions regarding your mammogram please talk to your doctor or the technologist.