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.
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.