What You Should Know About Getting a Mammogram

It should be no secret that having a regular mammogram is important. It could be the difference between life and death. If you are a woman of color, you are more likely to have an aggressive form of breast cancer at perhaps a younger age. If you are a woman who has a history of breast cancer in your family, you may be at a higher risk as well.

There isn’t much that I like about getting a mammogram. It can be stressful, uncomfortable, and even painful for some women. The procedure can also be cumbersome, but it is worth the inconvenience and stress it sometimes involves.

You may be nervous or have many questions if you haven’t had a mammogram. I know my first time having one, I was a ball of nerves the night before. During the actual exam, my teeth were literally chattering. I was so anxious. Waiting 48 hours for my results at that time made me insufferable, but in the end, knowing that nothing cancerous was found was worth everything I had to endure.

The best advice I can give you for your first mammogram is to talk to your physician and ask any and all questions you may have. If you have a spouse or partner, you may want to involve them, as they may have questions or concerns.

In this post, I will discuss what you should know about getting a mammogram based on my experience. The tips I share are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for a physician’s advice.

Wear comfy clothes

Wear something comfortable when getting a mammogram to make the procedure easier and ease stress. It should be something that you can remove quickly and easily. Avoid anything with too many buttons or zippers for easy removal. In most mammogram settings, you must remove your clothing and wear a gown or something similar.

Get there early

You may already be stressed about getting the procedure. If you add to that rushing because of traffic or trying to find a parking space, you may end up arriving at your appointment a nervous wreck. Leave early and arrive a little before your appointment to ensure you are on time and can take your time.

Complete prescreening if available

Before your appointment, you may be able to complete your precheck paperwork or prescreening online or via an app. This will include answering questions regarding your family history, current medical conditions, prescriptions, and insurance.

[Read: 10 Encouraging Affirmations for Women Going Through Breast Cancer]

No deodorant or lotions

The hospital or clinic may ask you not to wear deodorant, lotions, or powders near your breast area. This will help your medical team get an accurate view of your breast tissue and not interfere with the results.

Bring a friend

If you are nervous and need support, have a friend accompany you. In most instances, your friend can sit with you while waiting to be seen but may not be able to come back with you to the testing area.

Utilize your healthcare app

If your healthcare provider has an app, you may want to use it for your mammogram. With it, you may be able to complete prescreening or precheck paperwork and receive reminders about your appointment. Your test results may also be shared in the app as soon as they are available,

Look for free screenings

If you do not have insurance, you can research free mammograms available in your area. Many hospitals have a mobile van or clinic that offers mammograms at low or no cost. Talk to your healthcare provider, as they can help you find one.