Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation

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Preparing for Your First Mammogram

Preparing for Your First Mammogram: What to Expect

My Mammogram Experience

“I didn’t know what to expect for my first mammogram other than it wouldn’t take long and might involve some uncomfortable squeezing. My technician was kind and professional, but I wasn’t prepared for just how up close and personal she would get! As they positioned my breast between two plastic plates, they maneuvered to get just the right angle—sometimes from multiple directions. Their goal was to capture the clearest images possible, which is important for detecting anything concerning.

I also didn’t expect to give the machine a one-armed hug! That little maneuver kept me snug while they took the image, which I found kind of awkward-funny in the moment.

After the mammogram, most women get the all-clear in a follow-up call, email or MyChart message. However, in my case, they needed a closer look. I had to schedule an ultrasound, and fortunately, everything was fine. And, it turns out that I’m one of the 40% of women with dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to see things on a mammogram.

Mammograms may not be the most comfortable experience, but they are a fast, easy and essential way to screen for breast cancer. Early detection can make all the difference in health outcomes. I’m committed to staying on top of my screenings—I want to live a long, healthy life, and these quick routine checks are key.“

~Heather, WWHF Communications Manager

The following article aims to demystify the mammogram experience. Read further to learn more and share it with someone you care about who may need to schedule their first mammogram.

Why Are Mammograms Important?

Mammograms are low-dose X-ray images of the breast that can detect early signs of breast cancer, often before a lump can be felt. Early detection through screening offers the best patient outcomes and more options for care.

If you are over 40, your healthcare provider may recommend that you start scheduling regular mammograms.

Online Resources

Because mammograms are an important part of women’s healthcare, providing a powerful tool for early detection of breast cancer, we want to address questions women might have. We also encourage people to check out the numerous credible online resources that explain the steps, from initial screenings to ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies. Examples include information from reputable organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or videos from health systems like Froedtert. Check these out!

The Mammogram Experience

We’ve also put together a simple overview of the mammogram experience below. Our hope is that by providing a clearer understanding of the process, we can help ease any concerns and help women to schedule their first appointment confidently.

How to Prepare for Your Mammogram

  1. Plan your appointment for comfort: Try to schedule your mammogram when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. This is usually about a week after your menstrual cycle ends. Avoid scheduling right before or during your period if breast tenderness is common for you.
  2. Avoid these items for a clear mammogram: Deodorants, perfumes, lotions and powders should not be applied under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your exam. These products can appear on the X-ray images and interfere with the results. However, most changing rooms have special wipes in case you forget.
  3. Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up, so consider wearing a two-piece outfit for convenience. The facility will provide a gown for you to wear during the mammogram.


What to Expect During Your Appointment

  1. Check-in process: After you arrive at the imaging center/healthcare office, you’ll be taken to a private room to undress from the waist up and given a gown to before the procedure.
  2. The mammogram procedure: Once in the mammography room, a radiology technician will position your breasts on the mammography unit, which gently compresses each breast to capture a clear X-ray image. The technologist will need to get close to you during this process to ensure accurate positioning. This closeness is necessary for getting the best images, but it can feel personal. Don’t hesitate to communicate any discomfort or concerns. The compression may cause some discomfort or pressure, but it’s usually brief.
  3. The images: The technician will take images of each breast from different angles. The entire procedure usually takes about 15- 20 minutes, and the machine compression lasts only a few seconds.
  4. After your mammogram: Once the images are taken, you’ll be able to get dressed and return to your day. A radiologist will review the images, and your healthcare provider will follow up with your results, typically within a week. If you’re enrolled in MyChart, you can find your results there as well.



What Happens Next: Understanding Follow-Up

  1. Normal results: If your mammogram shows no abnormalities, you’ll be advised when to schedule your next routine screening. Most women over 40 are recommended to have a mammogram every one to two years, depending on personal risk factors.
  2. Additional imaging: If the radiologist sees something that requires a closer look, you may be asked to return for additional imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound. This is not uncommon and doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem; it’s often to get a clearer view.
  3. Biopsy: In some cases, if an abnormality is detected, a biopsy might be recommended. This involves removing a small sample of breast tissue to be examined under a microscope. While it can sound alarming, most biopsies turn out to be benign (non-cancerous).

Easing Your Worries

It’s completely normal to feel anxious before your first mammogram. Here are a few tips to make the experience easier:

  • Talk to someone who has been through it: Sometimes, hearing firsthand from a friend or family member can ease your fears.
  • Communicate with the technician: They are trained to make you as comfortable as possible and will walk you through the process.
  • Remember the bigger picture: A mammogram is a brief procedure that plays a critical role in your long-term health. The discomfort is temporary, but the peace of mind is lasting.

Cost Concerns

Concerned about costs or insurance? Contact Well Badger Resource Center to see if you qualify for free screening.

You can get free breast cancer screening through the Wisconsin Well Woman Program if: you are a person with breasts, age 40-64,* and you have limited income, and/or you have limited or no health insurance.

WWHF & Work to Improve Cancer Disparities

As part of our commitment to improving breast cancer disparities, we partner with the Community & Cancer Science Network (CCSN) and are community leaders on the Mammographic Quality Initiative (MQI). To learn more about the important work and the latest updates, check out this recent article from our MQI Program Manager, Kelly, and her team.