What to expect at a mammogram

A mammogram might not be your favorite appointment. But it’s a major step that can keep you safe from the most common cancer in women.

About one in eight women will get breast cancer in their life. But when it’s caught early — which is what mammograms can do — there’s a 99% chance that you can beat it. In fact, mammograms have helped reduce deaths from breast cancer by almost 40% since 1990.

Best of all? This screening test is quick and low-risk. Read on to learn more about the test and when you should get one.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is:

• An X-ray of your breast tissue. It helps spot problems that could be cancer. When you get them regularly, it can help spot changes over time, too.
• A screening test. It usually can’t diagnose cancer. Depending on the results, your provider may do more testing to confirm if you have cancer or not.  
• Safe and effective.

What is the best age to start getting mammograms?

All women should start getting mammograms at age 40. And experts recommend getting one every two years.

If you have a high risk of breast cancer, your provider may recommend starting sooner. These factors may raise your risk:

• Personal history: If you have had breast lumps or radiation to the chest.
• Family history: If a close relative has had breast or ovarian cancer.
• Reproductive history: You may be at higher risk if: 
  • You started your period early (before age 12). 
  • You started menopause late (after age 55). 
  • You have had a late pregnancy (after 30), never breastfed, or never had a full-term pregnancy. 
• Race: Black women are more likely to get breast cancer at a younger age.

It’s never too early to start talking with your provider about your risk of breast cancer. They can recommend the best time for you to start screening.

How to prepare for your mammogram

Take these steps to help things go smoothly:

• Plan around your period: Your breasts may be more tender during your period. Try to schedule your exam for a week or so after your period so it’s less painful.
• If this isn’t your first time: Make sure the testing center has your previous tests. If you’re going to a new testing center, ask to have your old test results sent to the new facility.
• Dress in comfy clothes: You’ll need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. So plan to wear a top with pants or a skirt. You’ll also have to remove any necklaces.   
• Skip the deodorant, creams, and lotions: Any product on or near the chest area can interfere with the X-ray pictures.
• Inform the technician: Let them know if you: 
  • Have noticed recent changes in either of your breasts 
  • Are at a high genetic risk of breast cancer 
  • Are breastfeeding 
  • May be pregnant 
  • Have breast implants
  • Have any moles, growths, or scars (they could show up as suspicious in the X-ray)

What happens at the screening

The exam takes less than half an hour. You’ll stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technician will position your breast on the machine. Then they will lower a plastic plate to press your breast.

You’ll have to hold your breath and remain still for a few seconds during the X-ray. They’ll take several pictures from above and from the sides of both breasts.

Then the technician will check that the pictures are clear. If not, they may need to take more pictures.

What to do after your exam

Keep in mind that your technician can’t give you the results of the test. A radiologist must review the images.

Get the results. By law, you must get your exam results within 30 days. You’ll likely get them much earlier than that. If not, call your provider. Your results will say if your test was normal or if you need more testing.

Ask questions. Your provider should explain your results to you. Don’t be afraid to raise any questions or concerns.

Don’t panic if your results are unusual. Your provider may ask you to come back for more tests. Keep in mind that most issues found on a mammogram are not cancer.

Keep up with your breast health. Experts recommend getting a mammogram every two years. Depending on your results, your provider may suggest getting one more often. At your next screening, they’ll be able to compare your results to prior tests and look for changes.

Track your breast health at home too. Get to know how your breasts look and feel at different times of the month. Look for any changes. And tell your doctor if something concerns you.

See our sources

Mammogram statistic: American College of Radiology  

Screening recommendations: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; American Cancer Society

Lifetime breast cancer risk statistic: American Cancer Society