Tips for Getting a Mammogram

A mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself. Knowing what to expect can help the process go more smoothly.

What to tell your technologist

To help ensure you have a high-quality mammogram, make sure your technologist knows:

• About any breast changes or problems you’re having
• If you have breast implants
• If you have trouble standing and holding still without the aid of a cane or walker
• If you’re breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant.
• If you are having pain during the procedure.
• If you feel lightheaded or dizzy during the procedure.

What to expect when getting a screening mammogram

A screening mammogram is used to look for signs of breast cancer in people who don’t have any breast symptoms or problems.

Arriving to the room

You’ll be given privacy to undress above the waist to get a mammogram. The facility will give you a wrap to wear. You and the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine), will be the only ones in the room during the mammogram.

During the mammogram

To get a high-quality picture, your breast must be flattened or compressed. You'll stand in front of the machine, and the technologist will place your breast on the machine.

The plastic upper plate is then lowered to compress your breast for about 10 to 15 seconds while the technologist takes an x-ray. You will then need to change position so that your breast is compressed from side to side before the next x-ray is taken. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.

Usually, only these 2 views of each breast are taken, but for some people, such as those with breast implants or larger breasts, more pictures might be needed.

If you're getting a 3D mammogram, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), the procedure is the same as described above, but the machine will move in a small arc, either over the top of your breast or along the side of your breast, for each image. You might be asked to hold your breath each time it's being done.

Managing discomfort

You might feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, and for some people it can be painful. Tell the technologist if it hurts so they can try to adjust the compression to your comfort.

What to expect when getting a diagnostic mammogram     

Diagnostic mammograms are often done for people with breast symptoms or if something unusual is seen on a screening mammogram. They are similar to screening mammograms but there are some differences.

More pictures, such as spot views or magnification views, are taken during a diagnostic mammogram, with a focus on the area that looked different on the screening mammogram or where the symptoms are.

If a 3D mammogram is being done, the procedure is the same, but you might be asked to hold your breath while the machine moves in a small arc around your breast to create each image.

During a diagnostic mammogram, the images are checked by the radiologist while you’re there so that more pictures can be taken, if needed. Depending on the findings, a breast ultrasound might also be done to look at the area of concern.

Getting mammogram results

Depending on the testing center, a radiologist might review the results with you directly after the test, or you might be notified of the results within a few days. Talk with your testing center about what to expect.

A full report of the results of your mammogram will be sent to your healthcare provider. If you don’t hear from your healthcare provider within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal. Call your provider or the facility where the mammogram was done.

The mammography facility must provide you with an easy-to-understand summary of your mammogram results within 30 days or as quickly as possible if the results suggest something abnormal is present.

If you have online access to your medical records, such as through a patient portal, your results might show up there at the same time your healthcare provider gets them. This means you could get the results before your healthcare provider contacts you. Be sure to go over the results with your provider, especially if there's anything you don't understand.