How to Prepare Yourself for a Mammogram at UWHC

 

 

Date: _____________________   Time: _____________

 

What You Need to Know about Mammograms

 

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which shows the detail of tissues within the breast.  A radiologist will study your images.  Because some growths are very small or are deep within the breast tissue, this test is very useful in finding cancer tissue early.  The test uses very low doses of radiation.

 

A screening mammogram is done on women without breast problems.  UW Health recommends that women begin screening mammograms at age 40.  These should be done every 1 to 2 years.  Women who have a family history of breast cancer may begin at an earlier age.  Please talk to your doctor about your screening schedule.

 

Getting Ready for your Mammogram

 

Try to schedule your mammogram within two weeks after the start of your period.  This will reduce the discomfort you may have during the exam.

 

If you have had mammograms done before at somewhere other than UW Hospital, UW East or West Clinics, check with the Breast Imaging File Room at (608) 262-1127 to make sure that they have been mailed to us before your scheduled visit.  The staff in the Breast Imaging File Room can also help you with this process.

 

On the day of the exam, do not wear any deodorant, perfume, powders, ointment, or glitter lotion of any sort under your arms or on your breasts.  Some of these products may create spots that look like a defect.

 

During the Mammogram

 

Your mammogram will take about 30 minutes.  Your breast will be placed between two smooth flat surfaces.  Compression will be applied.  This is needed to produce the best pictures using the least amount of radiation.  Sometimes, patients may have some pain, but this only lasts a very short time (about 4-5 seconds per image).

 

Your Results

 

A radiologist will read your mammogram.  Most often the pictures will be read within a few days.  A report will be sent to your health care provider.  You will receive a letter in the mail within 30 days to tell you of the results.

 

More Information May Be Needed

 

When the radiologist reviews your images, he or she may order more images or an ultrasound.  This does not mean there is a problem, but means that a part of the breast needs to be seen in greater detail.  These requests are common even for women who have healthy breasts.

 

• Additional views are pictures taken at different angles or positions.

 

• Breast ultrasound is the use of sound waves to create an image.  The radiologist will order this test for a close study of a certain part of the breast.

 

Breast Self-Exam

 

Mammograms cannot detect all cancers.  Monthly breast self-exams allow you to take note of any changes in your breasts.  A yearly breast exam by your health care provider is also recommended as part of your complete breast cancer screening.  We suggest that you have a physical exam before your mammogram.

 

The Spanish version of this HFFY is #6391.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 08/18/2009

Copyright © 08/17/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4583

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