Preparing For Your Upcoming Mammogram

Gathering records 

If this is your first mammogram at Axia Women’s Health and you’ve had prior mammograms elsewhere, please try to obtain images and bring them with you to your appointment so the previous images can be compared to the new ones. You can request records be sent to Axia by filling out a release form. 

Please complete this step prior to your appointment. It is very important to have previous images so that the radiologist can compare current images with past images to help assess next steps. 

On the day of the exam  

• Bring a photo ID and your insurance card.
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment for check-in.
• Don’t apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms, or on or under your breasts. Some of these contain substances that can show up on the x-ray as white spots. The office will have wipes to help you wipe off deodorant if needed.
• You might find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you’ll only need to remove your top and bra for the mammogram. The facility will give you a gown to wear.
• Discuss any recent changes or problems in your breasts with your health care provider before getting the mammogram. If you have concerns, please call the office as you may need a diagnostic mammogram so special images can be taken of the area of concern.  
• Make sure your provider is aware of any part of your medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk—such as surgery, hormone use, breast cancer in your family, or if you’ve had breast cancer before.  

To have a good quality mammogram, make sure your technologist knows  

• About any breast changes or problems that you’re having 
• If you have breast implants  
• If you have trouble standing and holding still alone (without the aid of a cane or walker)  
• If you’re breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant  
• If you have a glucose monitor 
• If you start feeling lightheaded or dizzy during the mammogram 

What to expect when having a mammogram

To get a high-quality picture, your breast must be flattened or compressed. You’ll stand in front of the machine, and the technologist will place your breast on the machine. The plastic upper plate is then lowered to compress your breast for about 10 to 15 seconds while the technologist takes an x-ray. You will then need to change position, so your breast is compressed from side to side before the next x-ray is taken. You’ll notice that the machine will move in a small arc, either over the top of your breast or along the side of your breast, for each image. You might be asked to hold your breath each time it’s being done. Compression may be somewhat uncomfortable, but it is necessary to produce the best pictures using the lowest amount of radiation possible. 

If you are having a diagnostic mammogram, more pictures are taken with a focus on the area that looked different on the screening mammogram (or where the symptoms are). These special images may be “spot views” or “magnification views,” which are used to make the area of concern easier to see.  

After your mammogram 

• An approved report of your results will be sent directly to your Axia Women’s Health provider.
• If we have your prior images or if this is your first time having a mammogram, this should happen within 48 hours. If we do not have your prior images, the report may take up to two weeks when prior imaging arrives.  
• Additionally, you will receive a letter in the mail with your results within 30 days.
• Results will also be available on your patient portal.  
• You will receive a phone call if there is any additional imaging needed.