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Your first mammogram, step by step
From booking to results — what actually happens, and what it feels like.
Dr. Anika Rao
Consultant Radiologist
The short answer
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Screening mammograms look for changes before symptoms appear; diagnostic mammograms investigate a specific concern.
Each breast is gently compressed for a few seconds to spread the tissue and keep the image sharp.
The best scan is the one that answers your clinician’s question with the least burden on you.
What it means for your visit
Preparation depends on the examination. For Mammography, the most important things are:
Avoid deodorant, powder and lotion on the day
Wear a two-piece outfit
Bring previous mammograms or tell us where they were taken
Questions worth asking
What is this examination looking for?
Is there anything I should do — or avoid — beforehand?
How will I receive the results, and who will explain them?
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Illustrative article for template purposes. Medical content should be written or approved by qualified clinicians before publishing.
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