What to Expect for Your First Mammogram

Starting at the age of 40, women at average risk should start screening with a mammogram every year. Women at a higher risk should consult with their physician about screenings.

Breast cancer that’s found early is more likely to be treated successfully, and getting regular screenings is the most reliable way of doing so. This vital reminder reverberates the strongest during Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October. Breast cancer incidence increased during the most recent decade of data (2012-2021) by 1 percent annually overall, with a steeper increase among women younger than 50 years (1.4 percent per year) than in those 50 or older (0.7 percent per year, according to a just-published American Cancer Society report.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and can detect breast cancer up to two years before the tumor can be felt by the individual or your doctor. Moreover, the American Cancer Society (ACS) states that women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel -- and should report any changes to a physician right away.

Understandably, women facing their first screening have many questions about mammograms.

Radiologist Kathy Schilling, M.D., medical director of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

“We know that we're able to improve patient outcomes with early detection,” explains radiologist Kathy Schilling, M.D., medical director of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “When cancers are detected on a mammography, we know that greater than 95 percent of patients will be alive and well five years after the diagnosis is made. We also know that there'll be fewer mastectomies performed, more treatment options, and less aggressive therapies.”

The purpose of mammography screenings is often “to find a patient who's asymptomatic and find a cancer which may not become clinically evident for several years in the future,” adds Dr. Schilling.

What Should I Expect for My First Mammogram?

A mammogram is a special type of X-ray used to identify signs of cancer in the breast tissue. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in the earliest stages — before any noticeable physical symptoms.

During a mammogram, technologists gently compress your breasts between two plates. This flattens your breast tissue for better images. The technologist will have you hold your breath briefly while the imaging machine takes photos of your breast. The entire imaging process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

Do Most Mammograms Use 3D Technology?

Most mammograms today use 3D technology, which detect cancer better than standard 2D mammograms, according to clinical studies. 3D mammograms, also called tomosynthesis, offer doctors clearer and more detailed images of breast tissue.

3D mammograms can be especially helpful for women with dense breasts. Both screening and diagnostic mammograms use 3D technology. During a 3D mammogram the machine moves in an arc to take images. The compression of the breast only lasts about 10 to15 seconds per image, and the whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.

Screening Mammogram vs. Diagnostic Mammogram: What’s the Difference?

A screening mammogram is a routine X-ray used to check for breast cancer. Screening mammograms are recommended yearly for most women, starting at age 40. Screening mammograms should only be used to check for cancer in people with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammograms are recommended for women or men who have breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump in or near the breast. A diagnostic mammogram works just like a screening mammogram. However, your technologist may take extra images from different angles during a diagnostic mammogram.

After a diagnostic mammogram, you will be asked to wait on-site while a board-certified radiologist reviews your images. If your mammogram results are abnormal (not normal), you may need to schedule a breast ultrasound. A breast ultrasound evaluates unusual lumps or cysts.

A screening mammogram can be done quickly. The imaging process takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll usually be in and out of our center within 30 minutes.

A diagnostic mammogram takes a bit more time. You should expect your appointment to take about 1.5 hours. This time includes check-in, your mammogram and the time it takes for our board-certified radiologist to view your images.

Request a mammogram: Baptist Health offers screening and diagnostic mammograms at several convenient locations to ensure access to these vital services. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk and which screening is right for you.