Your Mammography Experience

A mammogram usually consists of two x-rays of each breast. Your breast will be positioned over the film. Moderate compression will be applied to your breast in order to obtain the clearest picture with the least amount of radiation. The compression is not dangerous. It does not damage the breast tissue and does not produce long-term discomfort. Occasionally, there is a mild aching immediately following the mammogram. This can be relieved by Tylenol, buffered aspirin or ibuprofen, which you may take if you are not allergic to any of these medications. In a few cases, the radiologist may request additional views or a sonogram to further evaluate your breasts. The entire mammography procedure only takes about fifteen minutes.

What happens after I am finished?

A board-certified radiologist with extensive experience in mammography will interpret your mammogram. A report of the results will be sent to your doctor. All urgent findings will be communicated immediately. You will also receive a report of your results in the mail.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women have their first mammogram between ages 35 and 40, every one to two years between ages 40 and 49, and every year after age 50.

Find out more about breast health from The National Breast Cancer Foundation: