Preparing for a Mammogram
There are a number of steps a woman can take to prepare for a mammogram:
If you have had mammograms or other breast procedures performed at another facility, bring a list of places and dates of procedures. If possible, bring previous mammography films with you, or have them forwarded to the facility before your visit.
You will need to undress above the waist, so wear a two-piece outfit with a pullover top or a blouse that buttons in the front. Avoid wearing bulky jewelry that will have to be removed during the procedure.
Do not wear deodorant, powder, or cream under your arms. These products could interfere with the quality of the mammogram.
Schedule your appointment at the time of month when your breasts are the least tender. In general, the week after a period is when breasts are less tender, and the week before or during a period is when the breasts are most tender.
Sometimes, a doctor may order a fine-needle biopsy of the suspicious spot to determine if it is malignant (cancerous). In this type of biopsy, cells from the suspicious area of the breast are removed using a needle, and then spread on a slide. The slide is sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
The value of mammography is early detection. Early detection saves lives and, in many cases, also saves the woman's breast by identifying the cancer at a very early stage when it is most easily treated and is not life-threatening.