At the first mammogram appointment, feeling unsure is normal. Most women don’t know what the process actually looks like until they go through it. A mammogram is a simple X-ray of the breast. It is done to check for early changes that cannot be felt by hand.
On the day of the test, avoid using deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume on your chest or underarms. These can show up on the scan and affect the image. Wearing a two-piece outfit helps because you will only need to remove your top.
At the center
You need to answer some simple questions. This may involve any pain, lumps, previous reports, or family history. Then you will be brought to a changing room and provided with a gown. It is necessary to uncover only the upper part of the body. The room where the test is done is usually quiet. The machine and the technician who conducts the test are the only two.
During the test
When you face the machine. The technician will put one breast on a flat plate. A second plate will fall and squeeze the breast. It flattens the tissue such that the image is vivid and precise. Failure to do this may lead to missing small alterations. The pressure can be uncomfortable. For some, it feels tight. To some, it can be a bit painful. But it lasts only a few seconds. You will stay still. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a moment while they take the image. They repeat the same steps for the other breast. Usually, they take two images from different angles.
How long does it take
The entire process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The pressure lasts only a few seconds each time. After that, you can get dressed and leave.
There is no need to rest or stop your routine. Some women feel slight soreness, but it usually settles on its own.
The images are checked by a doctor. The results may take a few days. Sometimes, you may be asked to come back for another scan. This is quite common. It usually means the doctor needs a clearer image, not that something is wrong.
Remember this
Mammograms assist in the detection of changes at an early stage before the onset of symptoms. It is a fast test, and being aware of what will occur can help reduce the stress of this test.