Mammograms are an important cancer screening that can detect small changes in your breast tissue that may indicate breast cancer. Your doctor will likely tell you when it’s time to start getting mammograms but you don’t need to wait for them to bring it up. If you are high risk, talk to your doctor about when would be the best time for you to get your first mammogram.
Related Topics (Ads):
So now it’s time for your first mammogram and you have no idea what is going to happen. You aren’t the only one. Mammograms make many women nervous, scared, and some even avoid it. But we’re here to squash all your fears. Read on to learn all the information about mammograms so you can walk in confidently for your first one.
Knowledge is Power
If you know what to expect during your first mammogram fear and uncertainty will fall to the wayside. When you are ready for your mammogram, the technologist will position your breasts on the machine’s plate. Your breasts will need to be flattened by the machine to get the best pictures for the radiologist to read. It’s so important that you try not to tense up, which will make your mammogram go from being uncomfortable to painful.
Once the technologist is finished taking the first images with the machine they will have you reposition yourself for additional imaging. The whole thing will seem strange and odd but it’s incredibly important to get quality images for the radiologist. You don’t want to be squirming around and have to come back for a redo!