What to expect at your first mammogram?

What to expect at your first mammogram?

By Jessica Cooper, breast health navigator, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Tami Eppard, mammography manager, Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center

Turning 40 for many women also means experiencing their first mammogram.

Mammograms use low-dose radiation to create images of the breasts. They are the most effective screening tool available to detect many types of breast cancer early. However, we understand the process can also cause a bit of nervousness, especially if you’re going for the first time.

At Sentara Healthcare, we recommend women make appointments for screening mammograms beginning at age 40 unless compelling family or personal medical history would suggest starting earlier.

You do not need a referral for a mammogram, but you will need to let us know the name of your primary care provider so we can send results. If you do not have a primary care provider, we can send the information to your gynecologist or obstetrician. We will also upload your mammogram reading to MyChart,

Before your mammography appointment
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when scheduling your mammogram:

• Try to avoid scheduling your appointment for the week before your period to avoid tender and swollen breasts.
• Let us know if you have breast implants because we will have to take additional images.
• Schedule your mammogram four to six weeks after a COVID vaccine to decrease the likelihood of swollen lymph nodes appearing on the images.
• Let us know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Screening mammography is not recommended while you are pregnant.
• Don’t use deodorant, talcum powder or lotion on your underarms or the breast area the day of your appointment. The ingredients can appear in the images. However, if you forget, we have wipes to wash it off.
• We recommend wearing a two-piece outfit because you will remove your clothing from the waist up. We will give you a hospital gown to put on for your mammogram.

When you arrive for your mammogram

Please bring your picture ID and insurance card. If you do not have insurance, we have many programs to offer you financial assistance or a free mammogram.

We will ask you to fill out a questionnaire with your personal and family medical history to determine your lifetime risk of breast cancer.

What happens during a mammogram?

The mammography technologist will review your history sheet with you, explain the exam and answer any questions you might have. The tech may place adhesive markers on your nipples, scars and moles to identify these areas on the images.

The mammogram technologist will position your breast by lifting breast tissue onto the machine and then lowering a plastic compression paddle. You will need to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds during the imaging process.

While compression is uncomfortable, it is necessary. Compression spreads out the breast tissue and reduces overlapping tissue areas, allowing the radiologist to “see through” areas of dense breast tissue.

Technicians take two views of each breast during screening mammograms – a top-to-bottom view and an angled side view. The whole process takes 15-20 minutes once you are out of the waiting room.

Getting your results

Screening mammograms are ready within 48 hours. Besides the information uploaded onto MyChart, you will also receive a letter in the mail.

As part of your annual screening mammogram, we complete a personalized assessment of your breast cancer risk. Your risk assessment is calculated based on your pre-mammography questionnaire. We offer this assessment so you and your health care provider have more information to base decisions about your breast care.

Patients who have a 20 percent or higher lifetime risk of breast cancer will receive a letter in the mail with screening results. This letter will provide the estimated risk, along with information on our high-risk breast program. Your health care provider will also receive a report with the risk score. We offer a high-risk breast program at Sentara RMH and Sentara Martha Jefferson.

Based on the findings of your mammogram, the radiologist may recommend additional imaging, called a diagnostic mammogram. The technician will take specialized views of the area of concern. You may also have an ultrasound. A radiologist reviews these studies in real-time as imaging takes place. In most cases, you will know the results of your diagnostic imaging before you leave your appointment.

A mammogram is an important tool in keeping you healthy. Please visit our website to learn more about mammograms at Sentara. We also encourage you to speak with your provider if you have questions or concerns about receiving a mammogram.