The first time you go for any kind of medical test, you may feel a bit anxious because you don’t know what to expect. The following information is given to help you understand what to expect when you have a mammogram and how to prepare for it.
For the best care possible and the highest quality screening, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to have a mammogram with their provincial or territorial organized breast screening program or a clinic accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
Wherever it is available, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to be screened with digital mammography. This newer technology is gradually replacing screen-film mammography in Canada. This is because it is better at detecting breast cancer in women in their 40s, women 50+ who have not gone through menopause, and women with clinically diagnosed dense breasts.
We encourage you to ask to be referred to a screening facility with digital mammography, if you are a woman in your 40s, 50+ and have not gone through menopause, or have been diagnosed with dense breasts.
Preparing for your mammogram
On the day of your appointment:
Do not use deodorant, body lotion or talcum powder on your breasts or underarms that day. These products may show up on the mammogram and could lead to an inaccurate result.
Wear a two-piece outfit so that you only have to remove your top when you have the mammogram.
If you’d like the support, ask a friend to go to the clinic with you.
At the clinic
Having a mammogram can feel uncomfortable or awkward, especially the first time. Before your mammogram, the technologist should explain what is going to happen. If you have any questions or concerns, ask the technologist before the screening begins.
You will be asked to remove all clothing from your upper body and stand in front of an X-ray machine designed for mammograms.
The technologist will place one of your breasts on a plate. A second plate will slowly come down on top of your breast to spread out your breast tissue. This helps to get a clear image of your breast tissue with the lowest dose of radiation.
You will feel a few seconds of pressure on your breast while two images (mammograms) of the breast are taken. This pressure may feel uncomfortable but it will not harm your breast. If you feel pain, let the technologist know. The two of you can work together to try to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
The same process is repeated with your other breast. In total four X-ray pictures will be taken, two of each breast.
What happens next?
The mammograms will be read and interpreted by a radiologist. One of the benefits of having a mammogram at an accredited clinic is that they meet national standards for radiologists’ qualifications, knowledge and expertise. The radiologists at accredited sites are highly trained and specialize in breast cancer detection.
You and your health care provider will receive the screening results.
If your result is negative: the test has not found signs of breast cancer. Continue with your own breast awareness and annual breast health checks with a health care provider until your next mammogram appointment.
If your result is positive: the mammogram has found something suspicious that needs to be investigated further.
About one in ten women are called back for more testing after their mammogram. Further images may need to be taken with ultrasound or MRI and sometimes a biopsy is required. Do not be alarmed if you are called back. Most women who require additional testing will not have breast cancer – and further testing will rule this out.
In some cases, further testing will confirm that the woman does have breast cancer. These tests will be the first steps in her diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, the earlier detection of breast cancer leads to more treatment options with less invasive forms of treatment and a better chance of surviving the disease.
More Information:
Breast cancer risk factors
Reducing your risk of breast cancer
About breast cancer
Diagnosing breast cancer
Breast cancer treatment