How is a Screening Mammogram Performed?

During a mammogram, you will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist for the procedure and to put on a special gown that opens in the front for easier access to your breasts. It is recommended that you not wear deodorant or antiperspirant as they may affect the image captured. If you are wearing these toiletries, you may be supplied a moist towelette to remove them.

The technician will ask you a series of questions regarding your family history and your own breast health. Please be sure to answer the questions completely and to discuss any problems you are having with your breasts.

As you prepare for the mammogram, your breast is placed between two plastic plates that are part of the mammography machine. The technician will take great care to manipulate your breast and your body so the clearest, most encompassing view of your breast and the tissue surrounding the breast are captured. This may take a few minutes to obtain the optimum position. Once the position has been set, the plates are compressed against your breast to hold it in place so there is no movement and the breast tissue is spread out to obtain a sharper image.

The breast compression will only last a matter of seconds. During this time, you may feel some slight discomfort, but it will only last a short while during the deepest of the compression.

Typically, two views are taken of each breast, and the breast will be manipulated, positioned, and compressed each time to allow for the best image of your breast tissue.

The screening mammogram procedure typically takes about 20 minutes.