Mammography

A doctor will decide if a mammogram is appropriate for you.

Yes, a referral is needed from a Breast Consultant.

A Mammographer will call you into the mammography room to ask you some questions about your general health and to explain the procedure to you. If you have any questions, the Mammographer will be more than happy to answer them for you.

It is advisable to wear clothes that can be easily removed, as you will be asked to undress from the waist upwards.

If you have breast implants, please inform the Mammographer when you arrive for your appointment.

On the day of your appointment, do not wear deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume on your breast and underarm as this may affect the image

The procedure should last no longer than 15 minutes.

The Mammographer will ask you to remove all your clothes from the waist up. They will then ask you to stand in front of the mammogram machine where they will position you for your mammogram.

In turn, each breast will be placed onto the mammogram machine and firmly compressed (or “flattened”) by a clear plate. The compression will only last a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts. Compression is needed to keep the breast still, and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.

Typically, two images will be taken of each breast but more images may be necessary if your breasts are larger than average.

We are all exposed to natural background radiation. This comes from the ground, building materials, food and even from outer space (cosmic rays).

Each medical x-ray examination gives us a small additional dose on top of this natural background radiation.

The effect of having an x-ray is a possible increase in the lifetime risk of developing cancer.

Despite these slight risks, your doctor believes it is advisable that you should have this examination to avoid missing a potential diagnosis.

Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.