The American Cancer Society recommends that you discuss anything new or different about your breasts with your doctor before scheduling your mammogram. Your doctor will also want to know your family history (especially if you or any relatives have had cancer), any surgeries you’ve had and your use of hormones.
If possible, it’s best to schedule your exam for one week after your period, especially if your breasts are tender before your period. Be sure to let your doctor or the mammography technologist know if you are, or think you might be pregnant.
The day of the exam, please:
- Do not wear deodorant, powder, perfumes or lotions under your arms, or anywhere above your waist. These products can cause spots to appear on the mammogram.
- Tell the mammography technologist about any problems or symptoms you’ve been having.
- If possible, bring your prior mammograms for the radiologist to compare. If your prior mammograms have been taken at St. Joseph Hospital, they will be on file, and we will automatically compare them with your new mammograms.
- Ask when your results will be ready. Please do not assume that everything is normal if you do not hear back from your physician. Call your physician first, then our Mammography Department at 714-771-8000 ext. 14900 if you still need your report. You should expect to receive your results within the MQSA required timeframe of 30 days. However, we strive to have your notification letter sent out to you within 2 weeks of your mammography visit.
Special care is taken to use the lowest possible x-ray dose to get the best possible picture. A specially qualified radiologic technologist will help you position your breast on a platform and then gently compress it.
You’ll be asked to hold your breath and hold still momentarily while the picture is being taken, to get the sharpest image possible. The technician may help reposition you to take several images of each breast.
You will feel pressure on your breast as it is being compressed. Let your technician know if you have significant discomfort or pain.