If you have a mammogram scheduled, preparation is usually simple. You can generally eat, drink and take your usual medications, but there are a few things you should avoid and some information you should bring with you.
One of the most important instructions is easy to remember: do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder or lotion on your breasts or underarms on the day of your mammogram.
Here's what to know before your appointment at Exact Check Diagnostic Center.
What Is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts used to look for changes in breast tissue.
Mammography can identify abnormalities that may not be noticeable during a physical examination. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may request a screening mammogram or diagnostic mammogram.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram: What's the Difference?
A screening mammogram is generally performed in people who do not have breast symptoms and is used to look for signs of breast cancer before symptoms develop.
A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate a particular breast concern or finding. Your doctor may request diagnostic imaging if you have:
- A breast lump
- Nipple discharge
- Changes in breast shape or appearance
- Skin changes involving the breast
- Persistent focal breast pain
- An abnormality identified on previous breast imaging
Additional mammogram views, breast ultrasound or other imaging may be needed depending on the findings.
How Do I Prepare for a Mammogram?
Mammograms generally require very little preparation. Follow these steps before your appointment.
1. Don't Wear Deodorant, Powder or Lotion
On the day of your mammogram, do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion or cream to your breasts or underarms.
Some of these products can contain substances that may appear on mammogram images and interfere with interpretation.
If you accidentally apply deodorant before your appointment, tell the mammography technologist. Don't automatically cancel your examination.
2. Wear a Two-Piece Outfit
Consider wearing a top with pants or a skirt instead of a dress.
You will need to remove your clothing from the waist up for the examination, so a two-piece outfit can make changing more convenient.
You may be provided with a gown or covering during the procedure.
3. Bring Your Previous Mammograms
If you have undergone mammography at another facility, bring your previous mammogram images and reports if they are available.
Comparison with previous examinations can help the radiologist identify changes in breast tissue over time.
Ask Exact Check before your appointment which previous records or image formats you should bring.
4. Consider Breast Tenderness When Scheduling
Some women experience greater breast tenderness before or during menstruation.
If your breasts tend to be particularly sensitive during this time and your examination is routine rather than urgent, you may prefer to schedule your mammogram when your breasts are less tender.
However, do not delay medically necessary breast imaging simply because of your menstrual cycle. If your doctor has requested diagnostic imaging for a breast concern, follow your doctor's instructions.
Can I Eat Before a Mammogram?
For a standard mammogram, fasting is generally not required.
You can usually eat and drink normally before your appointment unless you have been given different instructions for another examination being performed at the same visit.
Can I Drink Coffee Before a Mammogram?
Coffee does not normally prevent a mammogram from being performed.
Some people choose to reduce caffeine if they find that it contributes to breast tenderness, but this is not a standard requirement for mammography.
Can I Take My Medications Before a Mammogram?
You can generally continue your usual medications before a standard mammogram.
Do not stop prescription medication unless your physician has specifically instructed you to do so.
If you're unsure about a particular medication, ask your doctor or the Exact Check team before your appointment.
What Should I Tell the Mammography Technologist?
Before your examination, tell the technologist if you:
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have breast implants
- Have previously undergone breast surgery
- Have a history of breast cancer
- Have a breast lump or other new breast symptom
- Have difficulty standing or moving your arms
- Have previous mammograms from another facility
This information can help the imaging team perform the appropriate examination.
Can I Have a Mammogram If I Have Breast Implants?
Yes. Women with breast implants can undergo mammography, but the technologist needs to know about the implants before the examination.
Additional or specialized views may be required to visualize as much breast tissue as possible.
When booking your appointment, tell Exact Check that you have breast implants so the team can advise you about the appropriate examination and scheduling requirements.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
During the examination, each breast is positioned on the mammography unit.
A second plate applies brief compression to the breast while the X-ray image is taken.
Compression helps:
- Spread the breast tissue for better visualization
- Reduce motion
- Produce a clearer image
- Reduce the amount of radiation needed to obtain the image
The technologist will reposition your breast as needed to obtain the required views.
Does a Mammogram Hurt?
Breast compression can feel uncomfortable or briefly painful for some women, but the compression for each image lasts only a short time.
The level of discomfort varies from person to person and can also depend on breast tenderness.
Tell the technologist if you are experiencing significant discomfort during the examination.
How Long Does a Mammogram Take?
The imaging portion of a routine mammogram is generally brief, although your total appointment will also include registration, changing, positioning and checking that the required images have been obtained.
Diagnostic mammography may take longer if additional images are needed.
Ask Exact Check when scheduling if you need an estimate for your particular examination.
Is a Mammogram Safe?
Mammography uses a low dose of ionizing radiation.
The expected benefits and potential risks of screening depend on factors such as age and individual breast cancer risk.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your physician and the imaging facility before undergoing mammography.
At What Age Should I Start Getting Mammograms?
There is no single screening schedule appropriate for every woman.
Recommendations can vary depending on age, personal and family history, genetic risk and other factors.
Women at higher risk for breast cancer may require earlier or additional screening.
Talk with your physician about when you should begin mammography and how often screening is appropriate for you.
What Happens After My Mammogram?
After the required images have been obtained, a radiologist will review the mammogram.
Depending on the findings, additional mammogram views, breast ultrasound or other evaluation may sometimes be recommended. Being called back for additional imaging does not automatically mean that you have breast cancer. Sometimes the radiologist simply needs more information about a particular area.
Ask Exact Check about the expected result-release time and how your report will be provided to you or your physician.
Mammogram Preparation Checklist
Before leaving for Exact Check:
- Do not apply deodorant or antiperspirant to your underarms.
- Do not apply powder, lotion or cream to your breasts or underarms.
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
- Bring your doctor's request if one was provided.
- Bring previous mammogram images and reports when available.
- Tell the team if you have breast implants.
- Tell the team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Tell the technologist about any new breast symptoms or previous breast procedures.
Mammography at Exact Check Diagnostic Center
Exact Check Diagnostic Center provides mammography and breast imaging services for patients undergoing screening or diagnostic evaluation.
Before your visit, contact Exact Check to:
- Confirm mammography availability at your preferred branch
- Ask about the current mammogram price
- Confirm whether you need a doctor's request
- Check appointment availability
- Ask whether previous mammograms should be brought with you
- Inform the team if you have breast implants
- Confirm when and how your results will be released
Schedule Your Mammogram
If your physician has recommended a mammogram, contact Exact Check Diagnostic Center to confirm the appropriate examination, preparation requirements, pricing and available schedules.
If you are considering breast cancer screening but aren't sure when you should begin, discuss your age, medical history, family history and individual risk factors with your physician.
This article is intended for general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.