It’s not exactly easy to get excited about a mammogram. It can feel a little scary — and uncomfortable. But regular mammograms are super important for your breast health. Here’s why.

About 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their life. But when it’s caught early — which is what mammograms are designed to do — there’s a 99% chance that you can beat it.

To help put your mind at ease, we put together this guide for your first mammogram.

What’s a mammogram, and why do you need one?

A mammogram is simply an X-ray picture of your breast tissue. It’s one of the best ways to catch breast cancer early (when it’s much easier to treat).

When you need one depends on your age and risk level. Here’s what the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends:

• Between 40 and 49. If you want to start annual screenings now, go right ahead. You can talk with your primary care provider (PCP) about your risk factors and determine whether you need to start screening. But if you’re more comfortable waiting a smidge longer, that’s okay too.
• Between 50 and 74. It’s a good idea to start getting mammograms every 2 years at this point in your life.
• 75 and older. Once you hit 75, you’ll want to talk with your PCP about whether to continue screenings.

If you’re at a higher risk than most, it may be a good idea to start screening even earlier than age 40. Read on to learn why that might be the case.

Who has a higher risk for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is most common in women. But men can get it too. About 1% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are men. Here are a few factors other than sex that can put you at higher risk:

• Age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after 50.
• Family history. You’re more likely to get breast cancer if 1 or more close relatives, such as your mom or sister, have had breast or ovarian cancer.
• Dense breast tissue. This makes it harder to see cancerous tissue on a mammogram. Your provider may recommend other testing, like an ultrasound. Ultrasound is a more powerful form of imaging test that uses soundwaves.
• Reproductive history. That includes:
  • If you started your period early (before age 12).
  • If you started menopause late (after age 55).
  • If you have a late pregnancy (after 30), never breastfeed, or never have a full-term pregnancy.
• Lifestyle factors. Not being active enough or having an unhealthy weight can raise your risk. So can drinking too much alcohol.
• Race. Black women are more likely to get breast cancer at a younger age. And they’re at a higher risk for a harder-to-treat type called triple-negative breast cancer. Overall, Black women are 41% more likely to die from the disease than white women.

We understand that some of this data can be scary to read. And that’s a totally normal reaction. But we’re hoping that it helps motivate you to stay on top of your screenings and your health.

Is a mammogram safe?

The answer: absolutely, positively yes! While mammograms do expose you to a low dose of radiation, the benefits of being screened for breast cancer far outweigh any potential harm that radiation may cause.

How to Prep for the Big Day

Check out these mammogram to-dos from Hala Mazin, M.D., to help you prepare for the test. Dr. Mazin is a radiologist and breast imaging fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

1. Review your family history. Let your provider know if you have increased risk of breast cancer.
2. Let your provider know of any recent weight loss or weight gain or any other changes in your health.
3. When scheduling your appointment, try to avoid the week before your period. Your breasts may be more tender during this time.
4. Tell your provider if you’re breastfeeding.

If you have breast implants, let your provider know beforehand. Breast implants can make it harder to see potential cancers on a mammogram. But don’t worry: There are technicians who are specially trained to work with patients with breast implants.

On the day of your mammogram, Dr. Mazin recommends:

• Eating breakfast. There’s no need to fast.
• Keeping your underarms and breasts free of:
  • Antiperspirant.
  • Creams.
  • Deodorant powders.
  • Lotions.
  • Perfumes.
• Making sure the areas under your arms and breasts are clean.
• Wearing a top and/or bra that’s easy to take on and off.

What happens during a mammogram?

Mammograms take about 20 minutes to complete, and you don’t have to do much during it.

Here’s what to expect.

• You’ll stand in front of an X-ray machine.
• A technician will place your breasts, one at a time, between 2 plates. The plates will press together to help flatten and spread out the tissue. This makes it easier to find signs of breast cancer. This part can be a bit uncomfortable, but luckily it won’t last long.
• Once you’re set up, the technician will take a picture. And 1, 2, 3, they’ll release your breast and reposition it to take a second X-ray from a different angle.
• Then they’ll do the whole process again on the other side.

That’s it! You can head home knowing that you just did your health a huge favor.

Sources:

[1] “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer.” American Cancer Society. January 12, 2023, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[2] “Survival Rates for Breast Cancer.” American Cancer Society. March 1, 2022, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[3] “Breast Cancer Screening.” U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. January 11, 2026, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[4] “Breast Cancer in Men.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 26, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[5] “What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 26, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[6] McCarthy AM, Friebel-Klingner T, Ehsan S et al. “Relationship of Established Risk Factors with Breast Cancer Subtypes.” Cancer Medicine. September 2021, vol. 10, no. 18, pp: 6456-6457.  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cam4.4158

[7] “More Black Women Die from Breast Cancer Than Any Other Cancer.” American Cancer Society. February 14, 2022, https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-african-american-black-people-2022-2024.html. Accessed January 12, 2023.

[8] “Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants.” American Cancer Society. January 14, 2022, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/mammograms-for-women-with-breast-implants.html. Accessed January 12, 2023.