10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Getting My First Mammogram
10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Getting My First Mammogram
We all know getting a mammogram is an important part of taking care of our health, but getting one can be intimidating and confusing.
So I'm going to share the 10 things I wish someone told me before getting my first screening mammogram.
My Story: Cancer and Past Mammograms
When I was 37 years old, I went for my first mammogram after being urged to do so by my new gynecologist. He noticed I had a family history of breast cancer. I didn't realize that I was a candidate for early screening.
When I was 39 years old, I was called back for my first diagnostic mammogram due to an "area of concern" being found on one of my breasts. They were now looking to find breast cancer.
I'm not gonna lie, I was freaked out.
Cancer had drained my emotional bank account
In January, Chameka "Meek" Scott died of colon cancer at the age of 33. My Aunt passed away from leukemia in April. And Metastatic Breast Cancer has taken up permanent residence in one of my best friends and sorority sister, Sherroll (aka Ms. Travel with Pink Purpose).
And now, here I was, invited back for an additional diagnostic mammogram.
I was scared and I didn't have the emotional capital to deal with my possible cancer situation.
Fortunately, my personal story has a good ending: everything turned out well. And thanks to the excellent advice of an angelic nurse who assisted me during my diagnostic mammogram, she educated me on a few things all women should know before having one. I did learn valuable lessons while undergoing my breast checkup: there are certain things to know before getting your next mammogram.
10 Important Things to Know About Mammograms
Getting your first mammogram doesn't have to be stressful or confusing. Here are some tips I wish someone had given me before getting my first mammogram. . .
Can I wear deodorant?
Depending on the mammography facility, technicians may ask whether you use deodorant, powder, or lotion on your breasts. These things might be misinterpreted as tiny white flecks on your mammograms. These particles might appear to be abnormalities, and you could be asked to return for additional imaging.
Getting a mammogram won't take very long
All mammograms are simple to complete, and getting one for the first time can seem like it will take forever to get all of those pictures and measurements the technologist takes. But you can expect the mammogram process to be about 15 minutes long.
What does a screening mammogram feel like?
What's going on is like a "boobie squish," as I like to call it. But don't be alarmed; it does not hurt. I'm not gonna lie, it's quite uncomfortable. Rather than being painful, I'd describe the sensation as pressure and discomfort. But keep in mind, the discomfort only lasts for a few seconds.
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Find out if you have dense breast tissue
If you do, no worries and welcome to the club. We are happy to have you.
Many women have dense tissue making it pretty common; however, it's much much harder to capture and read. During a mammogram, areas of concern appear gray or white in color. Unfortunately, dense tissue also has the same color scheme as well. As a result, it's difficult for doctors to tell which breast tissue is good or bad when trying to find cancer. Make certain to ask for a 3D mammogram if your breasts are dense.
Ask for a 3D mammogram
Don't be afraid to request 3D mammograms regardless. I had never heard of them until my doctor ordered one for me. They can detect slightly more cancers than a traditional mammogram, especially in women with denser tissue. In fact, my doctor informed me that 3D imaging is more popular these days (meaning health insurance companies are likely to pay for some, if not all of it), and it's becoming a standard educational component for new physicians.
Find an imaging center you like — and stick with it
I made this mistake by visiting a different imaging center each year for my regular mammograms. I figured it was no big deal as long as I got them done once a year. I was wrong.
It's best to go to one facility or hospital system for all of your breast imaging. In the event there are suspicious findings, your health care provider will be able to easily review and compare all your past records and mammograms. So, find a specialized breast imaging center you want to visit from the start of your first mammogram and stick with them for all of your screenings.
Ask for a copy of your records and CD images
As patients, we have the right to your records. But I had no idea that I was entitled to these. And, when my nurse schooled me on this, I was absolutely shocked. Thank God she did, because I had never been given them before, so I wouldn't have known to ask for them.
Find out when you can pick up your records and CD of your mammography images. They may be ready to take home after your appointment, or they may need to be sent to you. But either way, get a copy each year.
Bring a copy of your records and images from last year
Your radiologist will want to compare your new mammogram results with your prior records to determine whether you've had any breast changes in the previous year.
Ask ALL the questions until you understand
This by far was the BEST piece of advice I was given.
We are taught (especially most women) that it is impolite to ask too many questions. However, this is not true when it comes to your health. It might be a little overwhelming getting so much information about your mammogram results in such a short period of time. But, do not be afraid to ask all the questions until you understand before leaving your appointment.
If you feel like taking notes with your phone to keep track of everything that was said- Do it!
Be sure to ask them to go slow or repeat themselves if needed.
The best way for you to understand what's going on with your body and your health is by asking questions.
If the doctor gets annoyed by you asking too many questions about your body and your health, then maybe they aren't the right doctor for you.
Mammograms Aren't Just for Women Over 40
Younger women with an above-average risk of breast cancer because of family history can begin screening earlier than age 40 per the currently American Cancer Society guidelines.
I had my first screening mammogram at age 37 following the death of my father's sister from breast cancer.
Final Thoughts
The process of getting a mammogram can be intimidating, but it's well worth going through. There are many reasons why getting screened early can be beneficial: better detection rates; peace of mind; lower risk of breast cancer spreading if found earlier.
I hope this list has helped you feel better prepared for your first screening mammogram.
Remember knowledge is power. Power is confidence. You can do this!
Now go out there and get those mammograms!
-XOXO (as always)
Mel D
Photography by Melissa “Mel” Drake
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*Originally published in 2019 and updated October 2021, this post has been updated by Mel Drake to add the new sections of “My Story: Cancer and Past Mammograms" and "10 Important Things to Know About Mammograms" that weren't in the original post. Structural and grammatical changes were made as well.