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Deciding to have your first mammogram is an important step in protecting yourself against breast cancer. Randomized controlled trials suggest that mammography screening reduces the odds of dying of breast cancer by 15–20% for women aged 40–74.[1] There are a few things you can do to prepare for your mammogram to get the best health information and be as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
Find a quality breast imaging facility.
Deciding where to get your mammogram is an important first step. A good place to start is by searching for facilities in your area that are accredited by the American College of Radiology. This organization sets industry standards for safety, quality assurance, training, and equipment, and their accreditation process subjects facilities to rigorous review to ensure standards are met. If you narrow your search to facilities designated as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence (BICOE), then you’ll find facilities that are accredited in each of the ACR’s breast imaging programs, including not just digital mammography but also ultrasound, breast MRI, and stereotactic breast biopsy. By choosing a BICOE, you ensure that the facility can meet any breast imaging needs you may have and that they will be experts in all of these modalities.
Decide what type of mammography to have.
Advances in imaging technology are enhancing the benefits of mammography. While digital mammography represented an advance over film, producing better results for some women because radiologists became able to manipulate images on a computer screen for more accurate interpretation, 3-D mammography is now taking it a step further. Rather than providing just two flat images, as standard digital mammography does, a 3-D mammogram takes a series of images from an array of angles, which are then synthesized by the computer to create three-dimensional images of each breast. This allows radiologists to better view features that would otherwise be obscured by surrounding tissue. As a result, 3-D mammograms are now being found to significantly increase invasive cancer detection while at the same time substantially reduce the number of women called back for follow-up procedures.[2] Insurance companies may not cover a 3-D mammogram, however, so be sure to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for, and consider those factors when making your choice.
Book your appointment.
Contact the imaging facility of your choice, and try to schedule an appointment for a week or so prior to your menstrual period, if possible. This will give you the best chance of being comfortable, since your breasts will be least likely to be swollen and tender. When you call the office, ask any questions you may have. If the response is anything except helpful, friendly, and informative, then you may want to consider trying somewhere else. Some women experience little to no discomfort during or after a mammogram, while others feel lingering discomfort. When planning your first appointment, consider that you may experience some achiness after having your breasts compressed between the imaging plates. If so, an over-the-counter pain reliever is likely to prove effective.
Get your mammogram!
On the day of your mammogram, avoid wearing products such as perfumes, lotions, powders, or deodorants around your breasts or underarms, as these types of products can obscure the images. Dress in a two-piece outfit for convenience. This allows you to keep your lower half dressed and just replace your upper garments with a gown for the procedure. The technologist will handle your breasts to get them into position, but a good mammography technologist will know how to distract you with light conversation to make this as comfortable as possible. The exam itself is quick, often taking just fifteen minutes.
If you happen to get a call back afterward, don’t panic. Most often, additional imaging resolves the radiologist’s questions, and no biopsy or other intervention is needed. In the event your follow-up progresses beyond additional imaging, a BICOE can continue to serve you.
Iowa Radiology is an ACR-accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence with clinics in Ankeny, Clive, and downtown Des Moines. We put patients first and work to make everyone who entrusts us with their care as comfortable as possible. If you’d like to know more about mammography, 3-D mammography, or follow-up procedures, click any of the links below to view our free resources.
[1] “Breast Cancer Screening PDQ.” PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 1 Dec 2016. Web. 16 June 2017.
[2] Friedewald, et al. “Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination With Digital Mammography.” JAMA. 25 June 2014.
The information contained in the Iowa Radiology website is presented as public service information only. It is not intended to be nor is it a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider if you think you may have a medical problem before starting any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding your medical condition.
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