Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mammogram

The American Cancer Society recommends that women be offered the choice to begin receiving mammograms at age 40, and should have annual tests beginning at 45 until you are 54. Starting at age 55, their recommendation is to have a mammogram every other year.

There may be other factors that make it worthwhile to be screened at an earlier age: For instance, if you carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that put you at higher risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Or if you display these symptoms:

• A lump in your breast or armpit
• Breast swelling or rash
• Breast pain that doesn’t go away
• Change in breast shape
• Puckering of your breast’s skin
• An inverted nipple
• Nipple discharge

Ultimately, the decision on when to begin the test varies according to your situation, and is a topic you need to discuss with your doctor.

Note: If you are seeing a doctor during COVID-19, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID-19 protocols as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Your doctor will refer you to a radiologist’s office with technicians who are trained and certified to conduct mammography.

“The mammogram itself is not a painful procedure, Dr. Priyanka Vaidya of Pall Mall Medical told Mom.com. “The act of compression, which is an essential part of the mammogram to help flatten the breast so the X-ray can penetrate, can at times be uncomfortable. However, the very awareness of why the compression is needed and how this helps the doctors get better imaging to rule out any early signs of cancer can be comforting and help ease any worries,” she explained.

“When at your mammogram appointment, you should always describe any breast changes or problems you’re having to the doctor,” Dr. Vaidya continued. “Also be sure to detail any medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk, such as surgery, hormone use, breast cancer in your family, or if you’ve had breast cancer before.”

Confirm the cost of your mammogram and consultation with your doctor beforehand. But keep in mind that since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and most U.S. insurance companies are required to cover the cost of annual mammograms.

Your mammogram results

You will receive your mammogram results in writing. If the test turns up any abnormalities, you may need to undergo further testing, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy.

Fewer than 1 in 10 of people called back for additional tests receive a cancer diagnosis. The most important thing to remember is that catching a cancer at its earliest stage gives you the best chance of survival.

Mom.com asked women around the country what advice they would give someone getting her first mammogram. Here are the helpful words they shared:

“If you have long hair, wear it up. It gets in the way.”
– Kristen Chase of the Philadelphia area

“They will use your boob as a handle to maneuver your body rather than simply saying, ‘Please move a little left.’ There will be at least one woman who wears the short medical gown like it’s a designer outfit. You will not. It will be awkward and uncomfortable.”
– Kate Johnson of Omaha, NE

“It doesn’t matter if your boobs are big or small; either way, it will be uncomfortable when the tech scoops them up and arranges them to be smooshed. And hold your breath so you don’t move. You don’t want to have to do it again.”
– Maureen Farrar of Couer d’Alene, ID

Some guidelines to follow include:

• Schedule your screening for the week after your period, so your breasts will be less tender.
• Don’t use deodorant, perfume, or powder on the day of your mammogram. These can show up as white spots on the X-ray.
• Wear separates so you can disrobe just from the waist up for your screening.

Dr. Vaidya had some additional advice. “Be sure that the doctor knows if you’re breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant,” she said. Also, “if you are perimenopausal, to help avoid further discomfort, we advise to book the mammograms after your periods. Breasts tend to be already quite sore as you approach your periods, so it is best to wait for 7–10 days after the start of menstruation.”

As for discomfort, Dr. Vaidya suggests taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your screening. “In the event that the compression pain is too unbearable, I advise my patients to take some anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen half an hour before the procedure is due. Some women also find that engaging in some deep breathing exercises prior to the procedure can also help mitigate the pain,” she said.