Time For Your Mammogram: What You Need to Know

A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of breast tissue. It is an effective technology used for detecting breast tumors and cancer. Whether you’re going for your first mammogram or your annual screening, Amy Long MD, a gynecologist with Group Health – Anderson, provides some information on how to best prepare for your visit and when to expect results.  

What should I wear?  

You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so you should wear a two-piece outfit. A gown will be provided for you to wear. No deodorant, perfume, or powder should be used under your arms on the day of your mammogram. 

How will it feel and how long is the test? 

Patient comfort is the goal of the technologist. While most women experience just a slight compression during the exam, others express that there is some discomfort. We encourage patients to speak up during the exam if there is any level of pain. Compression lasts only a few seconds per breast, per image. 

The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes. 

Why are mammograms recommended?  

Mammograms are used in 2 ways: screening and diagnostic. 

Screening mammogram: used in women who do not have any breast concerns or problems as a screening test for women to detect early breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood it will be cured. 

TriHealth follows the American College of Radiology recommendation of annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40. Insurance companies are mandated by Ohio law to cover 100% of the cost of screening mammograms for women 40+. 

For women at a higher risk of breast cancer, annual screening may be indicated to begin at age 30. If you have a close family history of breast cancer, please consult your physician to evaluate your lifetime risk or contact TriHealth High-Risk Breast Navigators at 513 865 5919.

Diagnostic mammogram: used in women who have breast symptoms or when something abnormal is seen on a screening mammogram. Symptoms can include a lump, discharge from the nipple, dimpling skin, redness, or new, localized pain. This type of mammogram usually includes additional images that are not part of a screening mammogram. 

When will I know my results?  

If your imaging results are normal, MyChart users will be notified via email that test results are available. If you don’t access your MyChart results or you do not have a MyChart account, you will be notified via regular mail within the next 30 days. 

If your imaging results are abnormal, you will be personally contacted by a member of our breast care team via phone within 24-48 hours to schedule further imaging or assessment. 

To create a new MyChart account or to sign-in to an existing account, visit www.TriHealth.com/MyChart 

What if I get called back after my screening mammogram? 

About 10% of women get called back after a screening mammogram and it does not mean that you have breast cancer. Less than 1 in 10 women who get called back for more images end up being diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting called back is more common when a woman is having her first mammogram or when there is no prior mammogram to compare to the current mammogram. 

Reasons for getting called back after your screening mammogram: 

• The initial pictures taken were not clear or did not show all your breast tissue. 
• The radiologist sees something suspicious. 
• The radiologist sees something that looks different than the other parts of the breast.