Your First Mammogram: What You Need to Know

If it's time for your first mammogram, it's understandable to be nervous and you might have some fear of the unknown. Knowing what to expect helps make the process go more smoothly.

To help put your mind at ease, our AdventHealth experts are here to clarify what to expect during your first mammogram with advice on how to best prepare for this important cancer screening exam.

How to Prepare

To make your experience more comfortable, we suggest that you:

• Schedule your mammogram 10 to 14 days after the start of your menstrual cycle; the breasts are usually less tender
• Schedule your appointment early in the day since you can't wear deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion or powder. Some contain substances that may show up as white spots on your X-ray. It's best to bring those items with you and apply them afterward
• You only need to undress to the waist for your exam, so it's easier if you wear separates
• Avoid caffeine a week before your mammogram; it also can make your breasts tender

What to Expect During the Scan

Most appointments take only about 30 minutes. During your exam, images of your breast tissue will be taken using a device that compresses, spreads and flattens the tissue to a tolerable position.

While compression may be slightly uncomfortable, it only lasts 20 to 30 seconds per breast. Tell your mammography technician if you experience discomfort or pain and they'll reposition you.

Compression is very important because it ensures a clear view of your breast and reduces the amount of radiation needed to make the image. These images are checked for quality and given to the radiologist for reading.

Your Results

A radiologist, who is a board-certified physician, will review your results and send a detailed report to your doctor. It's important to keep copies of your exams and results so these can be used for comparison against future mammograms.

Most Findings Aren't Cancer

If you receive suspicious results, don't let worry get the best of you. In most cases, unusual findings aren't cancerous. Sometimes, they result from cysts, dense tissue or even an unclear image.

If your doctor thinks something looks suspicious, you may need another mammogram or a breast ultrasound for further evaluation. If that's the case, you'll be contacted immediately for follow-up and someone will walk you through the process so you know what to expect.

In either case, once the radiologist interprets your exam, a letter with your results will be mailed to your home. Also, you can access your health record online by creating an account on the AdventHealth app or online.

Your Best Breast Health

Breast health should be part of your routine wellness plan early on, even if you don't have a family history of breast cancer.

You're encouraged to perform breast self-exams beginning in your early 20s. If you're familiar with your breasts, you'll be more likely to notice and differentiate a new symptom from normal tissue.

Your health care provider should perform clinical breast exams every three years through your 20s and 30s and annually after age 40.

Unless you have a family history of breast cancer, we recommend that annual mammograms begin at age 40.

Get Screened

Mammograms continue to be our first line of defense in the battle against breast cancer. Mammograms don't prevent cancer, but they help to find cancer as early as possible.

Visit us here to schedule your mammogram today. It might just save your life.

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