Your First Mammogram: A Guide to Being Prepared

Preparing for your initial mammogram may bring about feelings of anxiety and lack of certainty. Knowledge about what is going to happen can assist in calming your mind and ensuring that everything goes more smoothly. At WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, we are available to support you throughout this crucial screening procedure. In this blog, we will discuss key aspects such as when to have your first mammogram, how the timing of your menstrual cycle can impact scheduling, what you could anticipate about the duration of your mammogram test and a comprehensive explanation of what happens during the procedure. Let us explore everything necessary for you to prepare for your initial mammogram.

When to Get Your First Mammogram?

For proactive breast health, it’s important to know when you should get your first mammogram. According to NPR.org, the standard suggestion is that women begin at age 40 and continue getting mammograms each year. However, this might differ depending on personal risk elements like a family record of breast cancer, genetic traits, or other health aspects. Always speak with your healthcare provider to confirm the right age for you.

Mammograms are usually suggested for women starting at age 50. However, if you have a greater chance of getting breast cancer due to factors like family history or gene mutations, the doctor may recommend starting this screening earlier. Moreover, if there is a specific health concern in your breasts found by clinical examination or other methods, it might be necessary to take a mammogram at an earlier time. For women aged between 40 and 49 years old who have an increased risk of breast cancer, yearly mammograms are suggested by the National Institute of Health. This is because the benefits of early detection may outweigh the potential harm from false positive results and additional follow-up tests. 

For women with dense breast tissue that makes it harder to detect cancers on mammograms or other high-risk factors identified by their doctor, additional tests such as a breast ultrasound screening might be recommended along with regular mammograms. If you are having your first mammogram, and something is unclear in the image it produced (like a mass or calcification cluster), the radiologist will likely suggest taking more pictures using different angles or magnifications in that case. This is called a “diagnostic” mammogram and ultrasound. To find out more about an area seen on your routine screening test that could be cancerous, your doctor may order “diagnostic” imaging like ultrasound alongside another type of imaging such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or biopsy. It’s essential for all women who should do regular screenings to follow guidelines made especially for them considering their unique health situation – this includes when they start screenings and how often they continue doing them.

Scheduling a Mammogram During Menstruation

The comfort you feel during the mammogram can be affected by when you have it about your menstrual cycle. A woman’s breasts might become tender and sensitive before or during her period, so this is not a good time for a mammogram. It’s best to plan the test for a week after your menstruation period has finished when breast tenderness is usually less, advises John Hopkins Medicine.

When planning a mammogram, if you are having your menstruation, it is necessary to tell the technician so they can be careful to reduce any discomfort. In a similar way, if you are undergoing a breast ultrasound during menstruation, informing your healthcare provider about the cycle might assist in making adjustments for comfort during the procedure.

Knowing the Duration of Mammogram Test

Knowing how long a mammogram test lasts can help you organize your visit and set expectations. Typically, a regular mammogram procedure will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. This period includes the time needed by the technician to position you and capture X-ray pictures. For some seconds, each breast is squeezed tightly to capture the image, but this compression is quick and endurable.

If a mammogram shows irregularities, your appointment might need extra time for more imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Especially if this is your first time taking this test, you should consider allocating some extra time in your schedule to account for any further steps that could be required.

The Mammogram Procedure and Process Steps

Understanding the mammogram process helps to take away confusion and lower stress. So, here is a step-by-step summary of what occurs during a mammogram:

• Check-in and Getting Ready: When you arrive, you will be registered for your appointment and possibly instructed to put on a robe that unfastens in the front. It’s good to not use deodorants, creams, or powders on the day of your mammogram as these items might affect X-ray pictures.
• Positioning: The radiologic technologist will position you in front of the mammogram machine. Each breast is placed on a flat surface and then softly compressed using a plastic plate. This compression helps spread out breast tissue for better visibility and is considered the most important part of the mammogram procedure.
• Take Images: The technologist will take many pictures from various positions. You may be asked to stop breathing for a short time during each X-ray so that no movement occurs and the images come out as clear as possible.
• Review and Results: Once the pictures are captured, a professional technologist will examine them to confirm clarity and completeness. In certain situations, they might need more pictures or tests, like breast ultrasound screening, for better evaluation.

Understanding these steps may make you feel more comfortable and ready for your initial mammogram. Keep in mind that this process is essential for finding any issues early on and ensuring good breast health.

At WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, your comfort and care are our primary concerns for the first mammogram in Ontario and all future screenings. We will respond to any queries you have and offer assistance during this procedure. Please contact us today if you want to book your initial mammogram or require more details about our services.