What To Expect From Your First Mammogram

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we need to get talking. 

If you’re in your 50s, you may be getting a letter to attend your first mammogram soon. 

We get it. No one wants to do it. However, mammograms are important and can reveal the earliest stages of breast cancer. The appointment is never as bad as you might think. So, to ease anyone feeling anxious about an upcoming mammogram, here is everything you need to know. 

Let’s start with the basics. A mammogram also known as a breast screening is essentially an x-ray of the breast. This Allows early signs of breast cancer which may be too small to see or feel, to be found. 

Discovering cancer in the early stages significantly increases the chances of recovery. This is why mammograms are super effective and have been proven to lower the number of women dying from breast cancer. The facts speak for themselves. It is worth availing of this service especially as it is free. 

Pic: Pexels

In Ireland, you are eligible for breast screening from the ages of 50 to 69. After the first screening, you will be called every two to three years, depending on availability. Nonetheless, if you are not in this age bracket and are worried about certain symptoms, you should contact your GP. Remember, it is always important to carry out your own self-examination. Here is a diagram to help you do just that. 

This type of scan is for people who are healthy and have no other symptoms of breast cancer. If you believe you may have symptoms, you should also contact a doctor. 

So, what can be expected during your appointment?

While an appointment like this can be understandably daunting. It is helpful to remember that you are being looked after by the experts. They also most likely carry out many of these every day!

A radiographer will carry out the appointment and it should last around thirty minutes. The radiographer will explain the process and then ask you some questions. This is also a great time for you to ask the radiographer anything you may be wondering. 

For the x-ray, you will have to be undressed from the waist up. There will be a private area provided to do so. 

The radiographer will place your breast onto the mammography machine and will take two x-rays of each breast. 

Pic: Pexels

The results

Around three weeks after your mammogram, you should receive your results in the post. Until then, try not to overthink too much as thankfully in most cases the results are clear and no cancer is detected. However, if further testing is required you will be looked after with care. 

Things to consider

While roll-on deodorant is all good, it is best not to use any spray deodorant before your mammogram as it may affect results.

You should also remove any necklaces and nipple piercings. However, the radiographer will also tell you everything you need to know! 

Words by Ava Grace