Mammography and Breast Imaging: Preparation, Safety, Breastfeeding, Implants, and Recalls

Overview

A mammogram is an X-ray exam used to look at breast tissue. It can be used for routine screening or to help investigate a breast concern.

During the exam, each breast is gently compressed between two plates. Compression helps spread out the breast tissue so the images are clearer. It also helps reduce the amount of radiation needed for the exam.

What You Need to Know

• Do not wear deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, powder, or similar products on your underarms or breasts on the day of your mammogram.
• Wear a two-piece outfit, since you will need to change from the waist up.
• Compression is needed to get clear images.
• Compression may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be severely painful.
• Tell the technologist if the pressure is too painful.
• Routine screening mammography is generally avoided during pregnancy.
• If you are breastfeeding, routine screening is usually delayed until about six months after breastfeeding ends.
• If you have breast implants, specialized techniques and extra views may be used.
• Being called back after a mammogram does not automatically mean something is wrong.

Before You Book

Let the clinic know before booking if:

• You are pregnant or might be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have breast implants
• You have a new lump or breast symptom
• You have been called back after previous breast imaging
• You are booking routine screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program
• You have had prior breast imaging at another clinic

If you are unsure whether you need screening or diagnostic breast imaging, check with your referring provider or confirm with the clinic before booking.

How to Prepare

Patient Prep (Mammography)

On the day of your mammogram:

• Wear a two-piece outfit.
• Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, powder, or perfume to the underarm or breast area.
• Bring your requisition if one is required for your exam.
• Bring your health card, if applicable.
• Tell the technologist if you have implants or any areas of pain or concern.
• Tell the technologist if compression becomes too painful.

If your breasts are usually tender before your period, it may be more comfortable to book your mammogram during the first 14 days after your period starts.

Safety Notes

Pregnancy

Routine mammography screening is generally avoided during pregnancy. If there is a breast symptom or urgent concern, ultrasound is usually the first imaging test. Any additional imaging should be decided by the radiologist or your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

If there is an urgent breast concern while breastfeeding, ultrasound is usually the first imaging test. Routine screening mammography is generally delayed until about six months after breastfeeding ends.

Breast implants

You can still have breast imaging if you have breast implants. Extra views and specialized positioning may be used to help see as much breast tissue as possible.

Compression and pain

Compression is important for image quality and radiation dose reduction. It may feel uncomfortable, but it should not feel severely painful. Tell the technologist right away if you are in significant pain.

Radiation and support people

Mammography uses ionizing radiation. For safety reasons, support people cannot stay in the room during the mammogram. Only qualified staff may remain in the room while images are being taken.

Recalls and Callbacks

Being called back after a mammogram does not necessarily mean cancer or a serious problem has been found. Sometimes more images are needed because the first images were not clear enough, or because the radiologist wants a closer look at one area.

Callbacks are common. Try not to assume the worst. The follow-up imaging is meant to get more complete information.

Breast Density

Breast density can affect how breast tissue appears on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue may make it harder to see some findings. If you have questions about breast density or what it means for your screening plan, speak with your healthcare provider.

When to Contact GNMI

Contact GNMI before your appointment if:

• You are pregnant or might be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have breast implants
• You have a new lump, pain, nipple changes, or another breast concern
• You were called back and are unsure what to book
• You are unsure whether you need a requisition
• You need accessibility support
• You have questions about what products to avoid before the exam