Getting a Mammogram
Mammography uses X-rays to create images of the breast. These images are called mammograms.
Learn more about mammograms.
Learn about findings on a mammogram.
Where to get a mammogram
Mammograms can be done in:
- Radiology centers and imaging centers
- Mammography clinics
- Hospital radiology departments
- Mobile vans
- Some doctors’ offices
To find a certified mammography center in your area, visit the FDA website.
Affordable Access to Breast Imaging |
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Susan G. Komen® believes all people should have access to regular screening when they and their health care providers decide it’s best based on their personal risk of breast cancer. Komen’s Center for Public Policy is working with state and federal policymakers to ensure needed screening and diagnostic imaging are covered by health plans, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act would eliminate financial barriers that prevent people from accessing vitally important diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. |
What to expect
Preparing for a mammogram
Before your mammogram, you will undress from the waist up. So, it’s a good idea to wear a shirt you can remove easily.
Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, powders or lotions on your breasts and underarm areas on the day of the exam. Ingredients in these products can show up on a mammogram and make it harder to read.
You’ll be able to store your belongings safely during the mammogram.
The mammogram procedure
Today, most mammography is done with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). DBT is also called “tomo” or 3-dimensional (3D) mammography. It takes multiple 2-dimensional (2D) digital images of the breast, and computer software combines the 2D images to create a 3D image.
During the exam, each breast is pressed between 2 plates and X-ray images are made. All the images are taken on the same machine, so you stay in one place while all the images are taken.
DBT may give a slightly higher radiation dose than 2D digital mammography (the main method in the past) [4,12]. This higher dose is within FDA guidelines [4,12].
Discomfort and anxiety
The pressure during a mammogram may be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds. It should not hurt. If you have concerns, talk with your health care provider about taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) before the exam. Your provider can also discuss other ways to help ease discomfort or anxiety during a mammogram.
On the day of the exam, let your technologist know if you have any concerns before they start, or if you feel any pain during the exam.
How long does a mammogram take?
Getting a screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Most of this time is spent positioning your breasts in the machine.
When to expect results
Some centers give you the results of your mammogram at the time of your screening. With others, it may take up to 2 weeks to get your results.
If you do not get your results within 2 weeks, contact your health care provider or the mammography center.
It’s important to follow-up to get your results and not assume the results were normal because you did not get a report.
Online access to your mammography results
Most hospitals and doctors’ offices allow you to access your medical information through a patient portal. So, you may see your mammography results online before you get a letter from your health care provider explaining the results in plain language.
Test results are written in medical language and may be hard to understand. However, the letter from your health care provider should clearly explain the findings. If you see something that you do not understand, ask your health care provider.
If something abnormal was found on your mammogram, you will be contacted by the imaging center or your health care provider. They will explain the next steps and any follow-up tests that may be needed.
If you’re called back for more tests
After a mammogram, you may be called back for more tests if:
- The mammogram was not clear enough for the results to be read
- There was an abnormal finding
Follow-up may include a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound or breast MRI. In some cases, a breast biopsy may be needed.
It’s common to be called back for an abnormal finding on a mammogram. About 10% of women in the U.S. are called back for more tests after a screening mammogram [13-16].
It’s normal to be worried about being called back for more tests. However, in most cases, abnormal findings are not breast cancer [17].
Sometimes, a mammogram shows an unclear or abnormal finding when in fact, there’s no cancer in the breast. This is called a false positive result. The chance of having a false positive result after 10 yearly mammograms is about 50% to 60% [3,18-19].
Watch our video of Komen Scholar Dr. Mariana Chavez MacGregor who talks about what to expect if you’re called back for more tests and why it’s important to get the needed follow-up tests.
Recall rates
The recall rate of a mammography center is the percent of women who are called back for follow-up tests. Some centers may share their recall rate with you. This information may help you understand your chances of being called back.
Learn about follow-up after an abnormal mammogram.
Other topics related to mammography
Find information on:
- Breast implants and mammography
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and mammography
- Physical disabilities and breast cancer screening
Breast implants and mammography
Mammography is a safe and effective screening test for women who have breast implants. However, implants make it harder to read a mammogram.
If you can, choose an imaging center with technologists and radiologists experienced in mammography screening for women with breast implants. When you call to make an appointment, let them know you have implants. If the imaging center does not have staff experienced in imaging women with breast implants, try to find one that does.
Before your mammogram, remind the technologist you have breast implants. She will adjust the mammography machine to get the best image of the natural breast tissue.
Special positioning of the breast may also be needed.
If you need help finding another imaging center in your area, visit the FDA website.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and mammography
Pregnancy
Women under 40 usually do not get screening mammography unless they have an increased risk of breast cancer. So most pregnant women do not get screening mammography (though they may get a clinical breast exam as part of their prenatal care).
Pregnant women may get a screening mammogram if one is recommended [4]. The radiation exposure to the fetus is very low and not considered harmful [4].
However, mammograms in pregnant women can be hard to read due to changes in the breast tissue during pregnancy (and breastfeeding) [4]. So, for women over 40 at average risk of breast cancer, screening mammography is usually delayed until after women give birth and finish breastfeeding.
If you’re at higher risk of breast cancer and due for your routine screening mammogram, talk with your health care provider about the best timing.
If a lump or other change in your breast is found during pregnancy
If you find a lump or other change in your breast while you’re pregnant, see your health care provider right away. You may have a diagnostic mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound to check for breast cancer.
Learn more about breast cancer during pregnancy.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI is not used during pregnancy [4]. The contrast agent, gadolinium, used in breast MRI may be harmful to a fetus [4].
Breastfeeding
While you’re breastfeeding, the tissue in your breasts may appear dense on a mammogram, making it hard to read. So if you’re at average risk of breast cancer, it’s best to wait until after you stop breastfeeding to get a routine screening mammogram.
Discuss the best timing to get a mammogram with your health care provider if you’re due for breast cancer screening.
If you find a lump or other change in your breast while you’re breastfeeding, see your health care provider right away.
Physical disabilities and breast cancer screening
Listen to our Real Pink podcast, Beyond Ramps: Breast Health Equity for Women with Disabilities.
Some women with physical disabilities may have trouble finding a mammography center that meets their needs. Partnering with a health care provider in your search may help.
If access to mammography for women with disabilities is limited in your area, let your local medical centers know. Many hospitals have patient advocacy offices that you can contact. This may help improve access for you and other women.
Learn more about women with physical disabilities and breast cancer screening.
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Updated 07/27/26
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.
