How to prepare for a mammogram
Preparation takes about two minutes of thought and makes the appointment quicker and more comfortable. All of this comes from CDC, FDA and National Cancer Institute guidance.
The night before
Find out whether you have had a mammogram elsewhere, and if so, ring that facility and ask them to send your prior images. Comparison against last year is one of the most valuable things the radiologist has.
The morning of
No deodorant, perfume or powder — the metallic particles in antiperspirant can appear as white specks on the image and can mean a repeat. Put it in your bag and apply it afterwards. Wear a top and trousers rather than a dress.
At the appointment
Tell the technologist about implants, breastfeeding, possible pregnancy, previous surgery, or any lump or change you have noticed. The exam takes a few minutes; the whole visit is usually about twenty.
Afterwards
You will get a results letter in plain language, and since September 2024 it must include whether your breasts are dense. Dense tissue is common and is not a diagnosis — but it does make mammograms harder to read, so it is worth discussing.
Questions about this
What if I forget and wear deodorant?
Tell the technologist. Most facilities have wipes and you can simply clean it off before the images are taken. It is a common enough thing that they are ready for it.
CDC — About Mammograms ↗Should I take a painkiller beforehand?
Some people take an over-the-counter painkiller about an hour before if they know they find it painful. That is a reasonable thing to ask a pharmacist or clinician about for your own circumstances — it is not something we can advise on.
What if I am breastfeeding or might be pregnant?
Say so when you book and again when you arrive. It changes how and whether imaging is done, and the facility will advise. Do not simply skip the appointment without telling them.
National Cancer Institute — Mammograms ↗How do I get my previous images sent over?
Ring the facility that took them and ask them to send the images to your new location — you will usually need to sign a release. Do it a week ahead if you can; comparison against last year is one of the most useful things the radiologist has.
National Cancer Institute — Mammograms ↗Book it yourself
Pick a location, pick a time. About a minute to set up.
Create an account to get started →Mammo Express is a scheduling service, not a medical provider. We do not provide medical advice, perform imaging or interpret results. Screening is carried out by independent FDA-certified facilities. If you have noticed a lump or any change in your breast, contact a clinician — that needs a diagnostic exam, not a screening appointment.