Getting a Mammogram? Here’s What to Expect from Start to Finish

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to remind patients of how important regular screening is. Mammograms are one of the most effective tools we have for early breast cancer detection. But if you haven’t had one, or you’ve been putting off scheduling your next screening, it’s common to have questions about what to expect.

The good news? Most screening mammograms only take about 10 minutes. And at St. John’s Health, our team is committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible.

With help from Director of Diagnostic Imaging Tiffany Logan and Mammography Coordinator Jennifer Schales, we put together a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.

1. Before your appointment

A little preparation can help your appointment go smoothly. Instructions include:

• Dress for comfort: Wear something comfy and easy to remove from the waist up. “If possible, opt for a two-piece outfit over a dress,” advises Schales.
• Skip deodorants and lotions: Avoid deodorants, lotions, powders, and creams on your chest and underarms on the day of your exam, as they can interfere with imaging.
• Gather your imaging history: If you’ve had previous mammograms elsewhere, it’s a good idea to gather any relevant information to share with your technologist.

2. Checking in and getting ready

After checking in and filling out any necessary paperwork, you’ll be escorted to a comfortable private exam room where you’ll change into your pre-warmed gown. “The mammogram is performed right in this room, so patients aren’t walking the halls in a gown,” explains Schales.

3. Risk assessment and questions

During the first part of your visit, your technologist will review your personal and family health history and help you take a breast cancer risk assessment questionnaire. “This helps us identify patients who may be at higher risk for breast cancer, and who could benefit from additional imaging options such as breast MRI in addition to routine mammography,” says Logan.

After your assessment is complete, your technologist will walk through exactly what to expect from your screening, and answer any questions that you might have.

4. The mammogram

During the mammogram, your technologist will position each breast before applying compression for a few seconds while images are captured. You may be instructed to stay still and hold your breath for a second or two to ensure clear, accurate imaging.

“The compression helps spread out the breast tissue, improving image quality and allowing us to detect subtle findings,” says Logan.

Worried about discomfort? You’re not alone. The squish-factor is part of what can make mammograms feel intimidating for women. Schales and Logan encourage patients to speak up if they’re feeling uncomfortable. Your technologist will make adjustments to help whenever possible.

“We do everything we can to make the patient as comfortable as possible,” says Schales. That includes small comforts like warmed gowns and cozy blankets.

By the way: St. John’s Health has specialized imaging protocols for patients with breast implants, who may require additional implant-displaced views for clear visualization. “Patients with breast implants can and should still undergo routine mammography,” says Logan. No compression is ever applied to an implant.

5. Results and next steps

Following your screening, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging will review your images and send the results to your ordering provider.

You can usually expect results in your patient portal within a few days, followed by a letter in the mail within one to two weeks. Note that you may see your results in the portal before your provider has a chance to contact you.

Sometimes, additional imaging is needed to get a clearer picture, though this doesn’t necessarily mean cancer has been found. If a follow-up is recommended, our team may contact you to arrange necessary appointments, sometimes before you’ve heard from your provider. Your provider can help answer questions about your results.

When should you get screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends the following for women at average risk of breast cancer:

• Ages 40 to 44: You have the option to start yearly mammograms.
• Ages 45 to 54: Get a mammogram every year.
• Age 55 and older: Switch to a mammogram every other year, or continue yearly. Keep screening as long as you’re in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

Women at higher risk, such as those with a known BRCA gene mutation, a strong family history of breast cancer, or chest radiation before age 30, may need to start earlier and add a yearly breast MRI. Not sure where you fall? The risk assessment at your visit can help, and your provider can recommend the right screening schedule for you.

Expert care, every step of the way

As an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, St. John’s Health combines advanced 3D mammography technology with specialized expertise and personalized care.

Whether it’s your first mammogram or your fifth, our goal is always the same: helping you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your care.

Ready to schedule your mammogram? Contact St. John's Health Diagnostic Imaging at 307-739-7531.