A mammogram is an X-ray of a person’s breasts to screen for early signs of cancer, hopefully identifying problems when they are easiest to treat. And as breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, it’s considered one of the nine medical tests every woman should have.
So why do we feel so much trepidation at making the appointment?
The truth is, while it can be somewhat uncomfortable, a mammogram is nothing to be afraid of.
When should you get a mammogram?
How to prepare for a mammogram: Real advice from moms
Mom.com asked women around the country what advice they would give someone getting her first mammogram. Here are the helpful words they shared:
“If you have long hair, wear it up. It gets in the way.”
– Kristen Chase of the Philadelphia area
“They will use your boob as a handle to maneuver your body rather than simply saying, ‘Please move a little left.’ There will be at least one woman who wears the short medical gown like it’s a designer outfit. You will not. It will be awkward and uncomfortable.”
– Kate Johnson of Omaha, NE
“It doesn’t matter if your boobs are big or small; either way, it will be uncomfortable when the tech scoops them up and arranges them to be smooshed. And hold your breath so you don’t move. You don’t want to have to do it again.”
– Maureen Farrar of Couer d’Alene, ID
Some guidelines to follow include:
- Schedule your screening for the week after your period, so your breasts will be less tender.
- Don’t use deodorant, perfume, or powder on the day of your mammogram. These can show up as white spots on the X-ray.
- Wear separates so you can disrobe just from the waist up for your screening.
Dr. Vaidya had some additional advice. “Be sure that the doctor knows if you’re breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant,” she said. Also, “if you are perimenopausal, to help avoid further discomfort, we advise to book the mammograms after your periods. Breasts tend to be already quite sore as you approach your periods, so it is best to wait for 7–10 days after the start of menstruation.”
As for discomfort, Dr. Vaidya suggests taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your screening. “In the event that the compression pain is too unbearable, I advise my patients to take some anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen half an hour before the procedure is due. Some women also find that engaging in some deep breathing exercises prior to the procedure can also help mitigate the pain,” she said.
