Preparing for Your Mammogram: Your Questions Answered
What follows is the first in a 3-part series on imaging procedures. The second article will focus on CT scans, and the third will help you prepare your child to come in for an X-ray.Ìý
The basicsÌý
Radiologists are doctors who specialize in looking at images of the body. They useÌý advanced imaging technology to give you the most accurate and thorough diagnosis.ÌýÌý
Your primary care physician may order a mammogram—a low-dose X-ray that will detect signs of breast cancer.Ìý
Updated guidelinesÌý
In April 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce updated its guidelines for breast cancer screening, newly recommending that all women at average risk of breast cancer start undergoing screening mammograms at age 40.ÌýÌý
This is in line with other medical authorities, including the Society of Breast Imaging, the American College of Radiology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, among others. All of these recommend annual mammographic screening for average-risk women beginning at age 40. These recommendations are based on clear evidence demonstrating that the earlier starting age saves the most lives.Ìý
Screening mammography allows breast cancers to be found at a smaller size and earlier stage, thus saving lives and improving prognosis. What’s more, should a breast cancer be found during a screening mammogram, women will benefit greatly from the great advances in the treatment of breast cancer, thus requiring less invasive and less extensive surgery and less toxic chemotherapy.ÌýÌý
Additionally, every woman should have her lifetime risk of breast cancer assessed by age 25. If found to have an elevated lifetime risk, she can make sure to appropriately start screening even earlier than age 40—a²Ô»å screen with additional imaging modalities such as MRI. Ìý
What to expect before, during and after your visitÌý
Your first step is to schedule your mammogram. If possible, for the sake of comfort during the exam, pick an appointment date when your breasts are likely to be least tender or swollen.Ìý
Before your scanÌý
- On the day of your visit, bring your government identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and insurance card, along with a list of your medications.Ìý
- If you have had mammograms, breast ultrasounds or breast MRIs at other hospitals or medical offices, please inform our radiology team so that these can be uploaded into our system prior to your appointment. If your previous exam was at a Â鶹¸ßÇå or NewYork-Presbyterian facility, they should already be uploaded.Ìý
- Remember to wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared to undress from the waist up.Ìý
- Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of your exam.ÌýÌý
During your scanÌý
- During your scan, you’l±ô stand in front of the mammogram machine.Ìý
- The technologist will place one of your breasts on a flat platform and move it to match your height.Ìý
- They’l±ô position your breast and gently press down on it with a clear plastic plate. This may feel slightly uncomfortable for some people, but it’s necessary to get a clear image, and it only lasts a few seconds.Ìý
- The technologist will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds to help you stay still for the picture.Ìý
- They’l±ô repeat the same steps to take two or more images of each breast.ÌýÌý
- If necessary, the technologist will take a few more pictures to make sure they’ve captured the best image quality and angle of your breast.Ìý
After your scanÌý
- After your exam, you can get dressed and leave the facility.Ìý
- A radiologist will carefully review each image, looking for any signs of breast cancer.ÌýÌýÌý
If you have any questions…Ìý
…ask your care team, and expect your doctor’s office to follow up with your results. These will be made available electronically in your Connect account and sent to your doctor, who will review and discuss them with you. You may also receive a letter in the mail.Ìý
In some cases, additional scans may be needed to look more carefully at a certain part of your breast. We’l±ô call you to schedule an additional appointment, if needed.ÌýÌý
Â鶹¸ßÇå’s radiologists are always available to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.ÌýÌý
To learn more about screenings and radiology services at Â鶹¸ßÇå,Ìýplease visit here.