Don’t Fear Your First Mammogram. Read This First

One simple screening could make a life-changing difference. Mammogram screenings remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear.

Whether you're approaching age 40, have a family history of breast cancer, or are preparing for your first mammogram, understanding the process can help you feel informed and confident. North Oaks Health is committed to supporting patients every step of the way with advanced 3D mammography technology and compassionate care.

Who Needs a Mammogram?

Most women should have routine mammograms as part of their regular preventive health care. A screening mammogram is recommended for people who do not have symptoms but want to check for signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can detect changes in breast tissue that are too small to feel during a self-exam or clinical exam.

Some women may need earlier or additional screening if they have a higher risk of breast cancer. Factors that can increase risk include:

• A strong family history of breast cancer

• Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

• A personal history of breast cancer

• Previous radiation treatment to the chest at a young age

Talk with your health care provider about your personal risk factors and when getting a mammogram is right for you.

When Should You Start Having Mammograms?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer begin screening mammograms starting at age 40 and continue through age 74. Screening is recommended every two years. North Oaks Health also encourages women to become familiar with their breasts through monthly self-exams starting at age 20.

Screening mammograms are ordered for women with no concerning symptoms such as no lumps, nipple discharge or skin changes. Your healthcare provider may recommend a diagnostic mammogram due to new breast abnormalities such as a palpable lump, nipple discharge, focal areas of pain, and/or skin changes. It may also be performed if there are any abnormalities detected on your screening mammogram.

How to Prepare For A Mammogram

• If you have tender breasts the week before your period, it is best to schedule your mammogram one week following your menstrual cycle.

• If possible, please inform the scheduling department of the location of your prior mammogram so we can request your previous images and have them available for the radiologist to compare at the time of your current mammogram.

• Wear a two-piece outfit.

• Do not use deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or near the breasts. These products may show up as an artifact in the image.

• Please leave valuable jewelry at home.

• If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please inform the imaging technologist.

• If you wear an on-body device (such as an insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, or other chemo/insulin devices), you must inform your X-ray technologist. These devices cannot be in the X-ray room during the exam.

• If you have a bruise or a rash on the breast area on the day of your appointment, you may need to reschedule until the area is healed.

What to Expect During Your First Mammogram

It is normal to feel a little nervous before your first mammogram. Knowing what to expect from the test can help ease anxiety.

• When you arrive, you will change into a gown. A qualified radiological technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions.

• Once you are in the exam room, the technologist will ask to look at your breast to mark any raised moles, note any scars and check for bruising and/or rashes.

• During the exam, your breast will be placed on a special platform and gradually compressed. The technologist will do their best to make sure you’re comfortable.

• Most women feel pressure or mild discomfort during compression, but the sensation lasts only a short time. Compression is necessary because it creates clearer images and helps reduce the amount of radiation needed.

• The imaging itself takes only a few minutes, and most appointments are completed in about 30 minutes.

• You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an angled side view. During positioning, you may be asked to lift your arm or use your hand to hold your other breast out of the way.

• During the exposure, you must hold very still and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray image is taken.

• You will need to allow approximately 30 minutes from the time you check in to the completion of the test.

• Your mammogram results are usually available to your ordering medical provider in 24 hours and will also be mailed to you by North Oaks Health.

Mammography at North Oaks Health

North Oaks Health offers a comprehensive Mammography Program that includes both screening and diagnostic mammograms, along with advanced breast imaging services.

The program features 3D mammogram technology combined with ProFound AI™, an artificial intelligence tool designed to improve cancer detection and support radiologists in reviewing images. Benefits include improved cancer detection, more accurate results, faster diagnoses, fewer unnecessary callbacks, and fewer false-positive findings.

North Oaks Health also uses the Senographe Pristina™ 3D mammography system, which is designed with patient comfort in mind while delivering the same low radiation dose as a traditional 2D mammogram.

Mammography services are available at the North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond and the North Oaks Livingston Parish Medical Complex in Livingston.

If you’re due for your annual mammogram , don’t wait. Call North Oaks Health scheduling at (985) 230-7777 to book your mammogram today.

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Learn more about mammograms and breast cancer early detection here.

Explore cancer care at North Oaks Health here.

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