Undergoing mammograms every one to two years after age 40 helps detect breast cancer early. If you’re due for your first screening, you may wonder what to expect. While your provider will give you specific instructions, the guide below contains some general information to help you prepare.

How to Prepare for a Mammogram

A digital mammogram creates 3D images of the breast tissue so your doctor can look for abnormalities. Since many women experience swelling or soreness in the chest area in the week leading up to their periods, schedule your exam at the end of your menstrual cycle. Swelling can make it harder to identify tumors.

Before the appointment, skip underarm deodorants and antiperspirants. Metallic substances in these products may show up on the images and be mistaken for abnormalities. Your doctor may ask that you avoid lotions and creams for the same reason.

What to Expect During the Appointment

A technician assists you during the exam. They ask that you position each breast in the machine’s imaging plates, which sit above and below the area to capture an image. The plates lightly compress the tissue to take an accurate image. While the pressure of the imaging plates can be uncomfortable, stay still for the quickest possible results. 

In most cases, the images are reviewed by a radiologist, who then informs your doctor of the findings. Abnormalities aren’t always cancerous, but your provider may request additional testing, including biopsies, if lumps are present.

For an imaging clinic that truly cares about your well-being, turn to Main Street Radiology in Bayside, NY. They are committed to making patients feel as relaxed as possible when undergoing diagnostic testing. Their facility is a designated screening center for breast cancer and has an accreditation from the American College of Radiology for mammography. Call (718) 428-1500 to schedule a breast cancer screening, or visit their website to learn more about the procedure.