Our experts answer your most common questions about mammograms

Mammograms are one of the best ways to screen for breast cancer. Using low-dose X-rays, they can reveal abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue—long before you notice any signs or symptoms. The key is to establish baseline breast health at age 40, or younger if you are at higher risk. If you’re new to mammography or just have a few questions, our experts have the answers.

A Q&A with experts from Overlook Medical Center's Stacey Goldstein Breast Center:

• Howard Szikman, DO, Medical Director
• Anne Davidson, RT, Manager and Registered/Certified Mammography Technologist

General mammogram questions

Does a mammogram hurt?

Compressing breast tissue can be uncomfortable. But it only lasts a few seconds for each image and the benefits far outweigh the distress. Most women feel some pressure when the machine compresses their breast. If you stand very still and hold your breath for a few seconds during the X-ray, the process will move along more quickly with less discomfort.

How should I prepare for it?

On mammogram day, follow your normal eating and drinking routine. You’ll need to undress from the waist up, so wear an easy-to-remove top and bra rather than a dress or jumpsuit. Avoid wearing deodorant, body powder, or lotions that day, and leave your jewelry at home. If you’re worried about pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour before your scheduled appointment.

How quickly can I get my results?

Atlantic Health radiologists read all screening mammograms within 24 business hours. If you come in for your yearly mammogram and it comes back negative, it will appear in MyChart and a letter will be mailed to your home. If you are called back from a screening mammogram or have a diagnostic work up, you'll know those results before you leave our office. Just remember, reports that appear in MyChart use clinical terms that can be hard to understand, so be sure to talk with your doctor about your results.

About the procedure

Will my breast implants affect my mammogram test?

No, our radiology techs are trained to work with women who have breast implants, but it’s important they’re aware of this ahead of time. When you book your appointment, tell the scheduler you have implants. Many implants can obscure breast tissue and make it hard to screen for cancer. For most women with implants, the radiologists will require two additional images from different angles of each breast.

Why shouldn’t I wear deodorant or lotion to my screening?

Some of the ingredients in lotions, powders, and deodorants can distort the 3D X-ray images. They can also mimic calcifications on the images, which may affect the radiologist’s reading or interpretation of your mammogram. To prevent unnecessary follow-ups, we encourage women to avoid wearing hygiene products on mammogram day. If you forget, we have wipes for you to clean off your chest and armpits.

My breasts are very small; do I still need a mammogram?

Yes, small-breasted women should get mammograms. In fact, small breasts are often denser, which increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Regardless of anyone’s body or breast size, mammography can accommodate sizes AA to K, ensuring each woman gets a personalized and comfortable experience and accurate readings.

The importance of annual screenings

Why should I get a baseline screening at age 40?

When you get a baseline screening at age 40, it is used year after year to compare and track changes in your breast tissue. If a radiologist notices a change, they look at your baseline screening,even if it was five or six years ago. This is a big advantage to getting screened at Atlantic Health. All your images are stored in your medical record and your radiologist can easily refer to previous years to explore patterns of change.

Can I do a self-exam on my breasts instead of getting a mammogram?

You should not replace a mammogram with a breast self-exam. In fact, self-exams can give women a false sense of security. Instead, you should get both an annual breast cancer screening from your primary care provider or gynecologist, along with an annual mammogram, starting at age 40.

If my mammogram was clear, why do I need to go back each year?

A woman’s risk of getting breast cancer is based on a few factors such as medical history, genetics, family history, and lifestyle. Most women should get a baseline screening when they turn 40. This allows radiologists to compare images from year to year. Tracking changes in breast tissue helps catch tiny cancers at the earliest stages and reduces the need for additional tests.

There’s no history of breast cancer in my family; am I safe?

This may come as a surprise, but nearly 85% of breast cancer diagnoses are for women who do not have cancer in their family. Even if your mother or sister never had it, you still have a one-in-eight chance of getting it. This is why screenings are so important. The only way to catch breast cancer early is through screenings.

Levels of testing

If I am called back for additional testing, does it mean I have cancer?

No, breasts change all the time. If you are called back for a diagnostic mammogram, it means the radiologist noticed something in your breast tissue that warrants further evaluation. 85% of women who are called back for a diagnostic mammogram are cleared and do not have breast cancer. 

What is the difference between screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms?

A screening mammogram is performed when a woman has no symptoms of breast cancer. It is strictly a preventive tool to catch the disease early.  A diagnostic mammogram is when a radiologist finds suspicious breast changes or you experience symptoms such as a lump, pain, or discharge.  Both tests use the same machine, but diagnostic mammography uses specific techniques for magnification and focal evaluation.

How do I know if I have dense breasts?

The only way to find out if you have dense breasts is to have a baseline mammogram. If your mammogram shows your breasts are dense, it just means it’s harder to pick up abnormalities on your images. Because of this, your doctor may recommend you have an ultrasound or MRI for extra thorough testing. 

Things that affect readings

I have a pacemaker; should I still have a mammogram?

Yes. The machine does not affect your device and our technicians know how to properly compress your breast while keeping a pacemaker out of the images. Be sure to tell the technologist ahead of time about any physical limitations such as a pacemaker or port, use of a wheelchair or walker, or trouble with speech, vision, or hearing. We make accommodations all the time and adapt screenings for your comfort.

If I am pregnant or breast feeding, can a mammogram harm me or my baby?

Mammograms are safe for both mother and baby, but it’s important to inform your health care provider. If you’re nursing, the test will feel more comfortable if you pump just before your appointment. Since both pregnancy and breast feeding can make breasts denser, you and your health care provider may also choose an ultrasound screening instead of mammography.

Should I avoid scheduling a mammogram during my period?

Your monthly cycle won’t affect the screening, but it can cause some breast swelling and tenderness. We encourage women with sensitive breasts to schedule their appointment one week after their period. This is the time during your menstrual cycle when you’ll experience the least discomfort. Advil or Motrin can also help manage any discomfort.

Safety and efficacy

Do I need to bring my images to my appointment each year?

If you are screened at an Atlantic Health System site, your images automatically become part of your medical record and you never need to bring them to your appointment. If this is your first time at an Atlantic Health System site, it is important to bring your prior exams on a disc or request prior studies be sent here. That way the radiologist can make an accurate reading by comparing images and checking for any changes.

Is a mammogram safe?

Yes, a mammogram at any FDA-certified center is safe and offers real health benefits. Low-dose X-rays expose you to very little radiation. For example, a mammogram is equivalent to about two months of natural radiation that exists in the environment. At Atlantic Health System, we use only 3D mammography for the fastest and most precise imaging with minimal radiation.