Doctors use mammograms to screen for health problems in the breasts, and they help detect cancer early. However, the prospect of scheduling your first visit can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Below is a brief guide to the process, how to choose a facility, and when to make an appointment.

Who Should Get a Mammogram?

Women between the ages of 40 to 45 can start screening. If you have no risk factors such as smoking, a family history of health issues, or a genetic predisposition to cancer, doctors usually suggest getting your first mammogram at age 45. You can schedule a visit once a year, up until the age of 55, at which point it is common to switch to once every two years unless the doctor suggests otherwise.

When Should You Schedule an Appointment?

The breast tissue can be sensitive in the days leading up to your period. Scheduling a week after the cycle ensures your body is least impacted by the process and your hormones are stable. On the day of the appointment, don’t wear deodorant or lotion, as they can interfere with the imaging. Many clinics provide wet wipes to apply before the process. Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, beforehand to help mitigate discomfort. 

What Should You Expect?

Getting a mammogram for the first time can be nerve-racking, but the process is straightforward, and there is nothing to fear. A trained technician will explain the process to you. They will then help you to position your breasts on the plate that holds them place while taking the images. The professional will need several scans of each one from different angles. The process may be uncomfortable to some, but most don’t find it painful. 

After the imaging, a radiologist will read your tests and deliver the results within a few days or up to two weeks. You won’t receive a callback unless they require additional images. Though many women fear the outcome, only 2–4 out of every 1,000 tests return with a cancer diagnosis.

Are you due for a mammogram? Main Street Radiology serves Queens, NY, as a certified Breast Imaging Center of Excellence from the American College of Radiology. They offer digital and 3D mammography and breast ultrasound. They also provide other imaging services, such as colonoscopy, bone density screening, and CT and PET scans. Call (718) 428-1500 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about how they can assist.