If you’ve never had a mammogram, you may wonder what it’s like and when you should start scheduling screening mammograms to protect your breast health.
Screening mammograms check for signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear. They can detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Mammograms are a key tool in the early detection of breast cancer.
Learn what to expect during a screening mammogram and how often you should schedule these important breast health checks.
What Is a Screening Mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a breast cancer detection tool designed to find early signs of breast cancer before you have symptoms.
Mammograms are safe, noninvasive x-rays of breast tissue. Trained breast radiologists review and interpret these images, and compare them with prior imaging.
A screening mammogram is a convenient, quick way to check your breast health at recommended intervals throughout your lifetime. The average screening mammogram appointment typically takes less than an hour.
What Happens During a Screening Mammogram?
Before your mammogram, a staff member will call you to the imaging suite. There, you’ll go to a private changing area and receive a gown or wrap. Here’s what happens then:
- You’ll remove all clothing above the waist, including any jewelry and nipple piercings, and change into the gown with the opening in the front.
- You may have a brief wait until the imaging room is ready.
- When the room is ready, the imaging technologist who will perform your mammogram will escort you there.
- The technologist will tell you where to stand, how to position your body, where to put your arms, and when to hold your breath during imaging.
- If you’re pregnant or think you might be, tell your imaging technologist before your mammogram starts.
- Your technologist will ask you to describe any current or previous breast problems.
During your mammogram
Your imaging technologist will:
- Place you in front of the mammography machine with the breast platform. This is where they’ll take your x-rays.
- Ask you to take off one sleeve of your gown or wrap.
- Touch your breast with their hands to position your breast tissue onto the platform.
- Adjust the height of the platform to lift that breast.
- Ask you to raise your arm and turn your head.
- Move a plastic, contoured plate close to the platform to gently compress your breast for a few seconds. This pressure spreads your breast tissue, allowing for a clearer image.
- Ask you to hold your breath for a moment while taking pictures of your breast from different angles.
- Repeat these steps on the other breast.
- Check the images to make sure they’re clear and complete.
- Escort you back to the changing area to get dressed.
A routine mammogram consists of at least two views of each breast — one from the top and one from the side. If your breasts are large or dense, you may need more images.
A board-certified breast radiologist will use these images to detect any form of early breast cancer. Since your first mammogram forms your baseline, they’ll store these images on a computer and compare them to your next mammogram to detect any changes in your breasts.
How do I get my mammogram results?
Your results will be available in your patient portal, typically within 7 to 10 days of imaging, and you’ll also receive them in the mail.
Your results will also tell you if you have dense breast tissue and provide information on what that means for you. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Is breast cancer screening painful?
You may have heard stories from your mother or other women about the discomfort of having yearly mammograms. While the comfort of mammography technology has improved, breast screening can still be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful for some people. Luckily, the discomfort should only last momentarily.
Imaging technologists receive special training to help you feel more comfortable and support you through your mammogram. You may ask to stop the mammogram at any time.
What is 3D mammography?
At UPMC, we use the most updated imaging technology, including 3D mammography — also called digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). 3D mammography takes multiple images from different angles and uses a computer to combine them. This gives providers a view of each layer of breast tissue.
3D mammograms provide several benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of false-positive or unclear results caused by overlapping or dense breast tissue. The higher accuracy of 3D mammography reduces the need for additional testing recalls after screening for benign (noncancerous) findings.
- Slightly improved breast cancer detection compared to 2D digital mammograms alone.
What’s the difference between a mammogram and a breast MRI?
Screening mammograms and breast MRIs are both common screening tests for breast cancer. Here’s how these breast imaging procedures differ:
- Breast MRIs — Provide detailed images of breast tissue using magnets and radio waves. They’re often recommended for those who are at high risk of breast cancer.
- Breast ultrasound — Used to examine an area of concern found on a mammogram. This screening tool is also used during pregnancy.
- Screening mammograms — X-rays of breast tissue that detect signs of breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms start.
How Often Should I Get Screening Mammograms?
If you have no symptoms of breast disease, you’ll have a screening mammogram. But even if you have had breast cancer or are high-risk, your routine mammogram should still be a screening mammogram as long as you’re not having breast cancer symptoms. How often you have a screening mammogram depends on a few factors:
- People at average risk of developing breast cancer should begin having annual screening mammograms at age 40.
- People at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their providers about starting to get screening breast MRIs as early as age 25 and screening mammograms as early as age 30.
- People with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their providers about starting to get screening mammograms 10 years before the age at which their youngest relative received a breast cancer diagnosis, but not before age 30. For example, if your mother received her diagnosis at age 45, your doctor may recommend that you start having screening mammograms at age 35.
Breast cancer screening for high-risk women
Screening guidelines are different for high-risk women and those with a family history of breast cancer:
- Starting at age 30, women at high risk should have an annual screening with a breast MRI along with a mammogram.
- High-risk women as young as age 25 should talk to their doctors about starting screening breast MRIs and screening mammograms as early as age 30.
Tips To Make Your First (or Your Next) Mammogram Easier
It’s normal to be nervous about your first screening mammogram. And while it can be a bit uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be a bad experience. With a bit of planning, you can make this necessary and informative test go more smoothly.
Mammogram do’s
- Bring a support person who can accompany you to your first appointment if you’re nervous.
- Choose a top that’s easy to take off so you can undress down to your waist more easily. Think of a button-up blouse, cardigan, or pullover rather than a dress or jumpsuit.
- Remove any necklaces and nipple piercings before your appointment. (Also, leave valuables at home.)
- Share your pronouns with the staff, if you wish.
Also, inform your imaging technologist if you:
- Have experienced discomfort during past screenings.
- Have trouble standing or walking, so they can assist you during the screening.
- Feel anxious or embarrassed. They’re trained to help you feel at ease and offer support.
Mammogram don’ts
- Schedule your mammogram for the week before your period or any time in your menstrual cycle when your breasts are likely to be swollen or tender.
- Use any type of deodorant, antiperspirant, or talcum powder on the day of your mammogram. These products can interfere with the results.
Don’t Delay — Schedule Your First Mammogram Today
Now that you know what to expect at your first mammogram, take a breath, take out your phone, and make your breast screening appointment. You’ll soon be a pro at attending your mammograms and managing your long-term breast care.
While they’re never fun, screening mammograms provide you with a wealth of information and peace of mind in exchange for one hour of your time each year. Use that information to take charge of your breast health for a lifetime.