10 Tips for Preparing for Your First Mammogram Featuring Dr. Tammaro

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with about 240,000 women developing breast cancer each year. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Mammograms are a vital screening tool that can detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before any physical symptoms appear.

“For many women, their first mammogram can be a source of anxiety or uncertainty,” explains Dr. Yolanda Tammaro, a board certified breast surgeon in New Jersey. “However, being well-prepared can help ease these concerns and ensure a smooth, effective screening experience.” 

Dr. Tammaro shares ten tips to help ensure you’re as prepared as possible for your initial visit.

Tip 1: Schedule Your Mammogram for the Right Time

If you haven’t yet gone through menopause, the timing of a mammogram can significantly affect comfort during the procedure. Some women can experience increased tenderness 12 to 14 days before and during their period. To avoid added discomfort, Dr. Tammaro recommends scheduling your mammogram at least one week after your period. 

Tip 2: Avoid Certain Personal Products Before Your Appointment

Certain chemicals and particles can inadvertently show up on a mammogram X-ray. While this isn’t always a cause for concern, it’s best to avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, perfumes, or lotions on your chest and underarms the day of your mammogram. This will help reduce any confusion or the need to reschedule your test.

Tip 3: Wear Comfortable, Two-Piece Clothing and Shoes

You’ll need to remove everything from the waist up, including jewelry for your mammogram. If you wear a dress or one-piece suit, that will mean removing everything. However, if you wear comfortable two-piece clothing, you can avoid feeling too exposed by being able to keep your bottoms on. 

“A mammogram also requires you to stand, so be sure also to wear comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or flats, and leave any heels or wedge sandals in the car,” advises Dr. Tammaro.

Tip 4: Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

If it’s a week after your period or you’re in menopause but you’re still a bit concerned about breast tenderness or discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, about an hour before your appointment to help ease any discomfort during the exam. 

Tip 5: Communicate Any Breast Changes or Discomfort

If you notice any breast changes or discomfort before your examination, be sure to let the technician know. This way, they can ensure that the exam is administered appropriately while ensuring your health and comfort. 

Tip 6: Relax and Breathe Deeply During the Test

“If you’re feeling anxious about the exam, know that this is normal and there are strategies for calming your nerves,” comments Dr. Tammaro.

Breathing deeply, also known as belly breathing, can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to feel calmer. 

Consciously staying focused and grounded in the moment can also help you to relax. If you’re feeling anxious and “in your head,” examine that and instead try to stay focused on what’s happening right here, right now. 

Tip 7: Request a Female Technician If It Makes You More Comfortable

Not all women are comfortable with male medical professionals – and that’s okay! If your appointment is scheduled with a male technician, you can request a female technician instead. They may or may not be available at the date and time of your appointment, but if they are, an easy switch can usually be made. 

Tip 8: Ask About 3D Mammography

A 3D mammogram is a newer technology that creates multiple images of the breast from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a three-dimensional representation of the breast tissue. 3D mammograms are becoming more common, but they are not yet universally available or used for all screenings. Many healthcare facilities still use 2D mammograms, while others offer both options or use 3D mammograms as the standard. 

Ask your technician if they offer 3D mammography at your next screening, especially if you have dense breast tissue or are at higher risk for breast cancer. 3D mammography exams are known for detecting 20-65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammograms, with a decreased false-positive rate of up to 40%. 

3D mammography exams also require less breast compression, making it a more comfortable procedure for women concerned about pain. 

Tip 9: Plan a Reward for After the Appointment

Though necessary, a mammogram isn’t always the most fun or easy experience. That said, planning something nice for yourself after your first (and each) appointment can make it more motivating and rewarding. 

Do you like flowers? Plan to stop by the local floral center after. How about tennis? Plan an outing with friends that day. Whatever you choose, do something that honors your mind and body.

Tip 10: Bring a Friend for Support

If you’re feeling uneasy about your first mammogram, it’s totally okay to bring your spouse, partner, relative, or a close friend with you. Sometimes, having that little extra support can help calm the nerves.

Why Mammograms Are Essential

Mammograms are low-dose X-ray imaging techniques specifically designed to examine breast tissue. They can detect abnormalities in the breast, including potential cancers before they become large enough to feel or cause symptoms. This makes them critical for the early detection of any cancerous cells.

There are two types of mammograms:

1. Screening mammograms: Routine examinations for women without symptoms.
2. Diagnostic mammograms: More detailed imaging for women with breast symptoms or abnormal screening results.

By identifying small tumors and other abnormalities up to two years before they might be felt during a physical examination, mammograms can:

1. Increase treatment options
2. Improve survival rates
3. May allow for less aggressive treatments

In fact, one large-scale Swedish study found that women who underwent mammogram screening had a 41% reduction in their risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 years of diagnosis and a 25% reduction in the rate of advanced breast cancers.

The American Cancer Society also reports that breast cancer death rates decreased by 40% from 1989 to 2016, attributing this decline largely to early detection through mammography and improved treatments.

Despite ongoing debates about the optimal age to begin screening and frequency, most major health organizations agree on the importance of regular mammograms. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk.

“Mammograms are a critical tool in our fight against breast cancer,” explains Dr. Tammaro. “This early detection can lead to more treatment options, better outcomes, and potentially less aggressive interventions. While the first mammogram may feel daunting, it’s an essential step in protecting your health.”

Call 888-840-2439 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tammaro or the care team at Premier Surgical Network.

To learn more about Dr. Tammaro’s personal connection to becoming a breast surgeon, watch this video from SELF Magazine.