What to Expect During Your First Mammogram

Published: June 16, 2025
Updated: June 16, 2025
4 mins

Getting a mammogram is a life-saving act for women. Mammograms are one of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early and have helped millions of women access treatment sooner. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of beating the disease. Still, getting a mammogram can feel like a daunting experience when going in for the first time. 

Mammograms are often performed in facilities separate from a doctor’s office you may be familiar with. However, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident going into your first mammogram appointment.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray that specializes in detecting breast cancer. The x-ray produces 2-D or 3-D images of your breast tissue for a radiologist to analyze. The images are captured when a burst of x-rays passes through the breast to a photographic film plate or solid-state detector. 

Mammograms can detect tiny abnormalities even before symptoms appear. While mammograms do not help treat breast cancer, they can indicate any potentially harmful changes in breast tissue.

When Should You Get Your First Mammogram?

An OB/GYN may recommend getting your first mammogram around your 40th birthday. Health experts recommend getting a mammogram at least every two years afterward. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend getting a mammogram sooner or more often if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.

If you are worried about the history of breast cancer in your family, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about potentially getting a mammogram more often.

What are the Different Types of Mammograms?

Technology has improved the accuracy of mammograms and the clarity of mammogram images. While the tests are very detailed, mammograms utilize less radiation than x-rays used on other parts of the body. A 3D mammogram, also known as a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), shows a more detailed image than 2D mammograms. 

Mammograms work by compressing the breast between two metal plates to get an image of the breast tissue. When getting a mammogram, the machine moves in a small arc over the top and along the side of each breast. For some machines, a technician may instruct you to hold your breath for 10 to 15 seconds as the machine takes the images.

There are two main types of mammograms:

Screening mammogram: This type of mammogram is typically recommended for women with no symptoms or known risk factors for breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammogram: A healthcare provider typically recommends a diagnostic mammogram after abnormalities are detected during a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms tend to focus on the specific parts of the breast tissue where abnormalities were detected.

A healthcare provider may take additional images if mammogram images come out blurry. Additional tests are common for women with breast implants or larger breasts. If it's your first mammogram, it's not uncommon for a healthcare provider to want to run additional tests to compare results. Typically, a mammogram takes about 10 to 20 minutes or less.

Tips for Prepping for a Mammogram

Before getting a mammogram, consider your ability to manage discomfort. If you experience a lot of breast tenderness, you may want to take an OTC pain medication in preparation for your mammogram. 

Before getting your first mammogram, your gynecologist may encourage you to perform breast self-exams in between yearly appointments. A breast self-exam is the process of feeling around your breast tissue with your hands for any lumps or changes in consistency.

Consider the following tips before going in for your first mammogram:

• Don’t apply deodorant, lotion, or other cosmetic products to your breasts, chest, or underarms.

• Wear two-piece clothing (including an easily removable top or bottom).

• Avoid wearing large jewelry around the neck.

• Openly discuss any breast changes you notice with your technician.

What Happens During a Mammogram?

A mammogram is often conducted in a separate facility from a traditional doctor’s office. However, it’s important not to delay scheduling your mammogram when the time comes. 

When you arrive for a mammogram, the receptionist may ask you to complete a form asking about your medical history. Before going in for the mammogram, they will ask you to change in preparation for your mammogram. At the facility, they will give you a wrap or cover-up before starting the mammogram. A radiologist or technician may also explain more about the process before starting the mammogram.

During the mammogram, a technician will place one breast at a time on a plastic platform. Gradually, they will lower a plastic plate to press down on the top of the breasts. Each breast is placed on the plate for a few seconds. The technician may examine the images for clarity. 

After the appointment, a radiologist will take time to analyze the images for any signs of breast cancer. The time it takes to see results may vary. If needed, the facility may contact you for a follow-up appointment.

If a healthcare provider notices any abnormalities, they may reach out for a follow-up appointment. But it’s important to know that a follow-up appointment after your first mammogram is normal and not always a cause for concern.

What Does a Healthcare Provider Look For During a Mammogram?

A radiologist looks for several changes to breast tissue during a mammogram. The following are some of the main changes to breast tissue that a healthcare provider checks for:

• Breast density: Women with a higher breast density tend to have a higher risk of breast cancer. Breast density is how much fibrous and glandular tissue, compared to fatty tissue, is present in your breasts.

• Calcifications: Calcium deposits show up on a mammogram as tiny white spots. Macrocalcifications are larger calcium deposits that are more common as women age. Microcalcifications are smaller and don’t always indicate breast cancer but can be one of the first signs before diagnosis.

• Masses: A mass can be a cyst (fluid-filled sac) or a solid mass. In some cases, a healthcare provider can drain fluid from a cyst during an ultrasound.

• Asymmetries: Asymmetries are white areas on a mammogram that form different patterns than normal breast tissue.

• Architectural distortion: Architectural distortion shows up on a mammogram as distorted breast tissue that is often pulled towards the center.

What Do My Mammogram Results Mean?

A healthcare provider will present mammogram results in a numbered system called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). They also use the 0 to 6 number system for the results of a breast ultrasound or breast MRI. A one is a normal test result, whereas a five represents a high chance of breast cancer that may require a biopsy.

How Can I Cover the Cost of a Mammogram?

Most health insurance providers cover the cost of an annual mammogram. If cost is a concern or you don’t have health insurance, some hospitals have care programs or additional funding for free or low-cost mammograms. 

You can call the hospital near you and speak with a financial counselor about how to get the funding you need for a mammogram. Partnerships like the National Mammography Program work with medical facilities across the country to offer affordable and free breast screening and diagnostic services.

Common Myths About Getting a Mammogram

Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions if you don’t understand the results of your mammogram. They can help you determine how often to get a mammogram based on your personal health profile. Some people may assume that if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you can skip a mammogram. 

However, getting your mammogram as recommended by your healthcare provider can help diagnose breast cancer before it reaches the advanced stages. Even if your healthcare provider doesn’t recommend one, you can still get a mammogram whenever you see fit. Still, it’s important to remember that mammograms may not always detect cancer when it’s present. 

Mammograms use very low levels of radiation that won’t harm your health. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you have additional questions about breast cancer detection.

Where Can I Learn More About Women’s Health?

Getting your first mammogram is a common experience for women in adulthood. Mammograms are a key part of women’s health that can help save lives and give people more time with their loved ones. LifeMD-affiliated healthcare providers can help empathetically support women with understanding their health and provide treatment options for women’s health.

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