Your First Mammogram: What to Expect
A mammogram is quick. Knowing what happens, and a few things to do beforehand, makes it easier.
Medically reviewed by Charles Ortega, PA-C, MPAS · Last reviewed October 1, 2026 · Educational information, not medical advice. Innovare Tx does not perform mammograms.
Screening and diagnostic mammograms
A screening mammogram is for people with no symptoms. It takes X-ray pictures of each breast, typically from two different angles. A diagnostic mammogram is used when there is a symptom or when a screening image needs a closer look, and it may include extra views.
The difference matters for scheduling and for cost. If you have a lump or another change, say so when you book, so the right exam is ordered. See mammogram cost and insurance.
2D and 3D mammograms
In a 3D mammogram, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, the machine takes many images as it moves in a small arc around the breast, and a computer assembles them into thin slices. The American Cancer Society says 3D mammography appears to lower the chance of being called back for more testing, and appears to find some cancers better and to be helpful in women with dense breasts.
Many imaging centers now use 3D as standard. It is worth asking which you will have and whether your plan covers it.
Before you go
These tips come from the American Cancer Society:
- Use the same facility each year if you can, so your images can be compared.
- Pick a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. For many women that means avoiding the week before a period.
- Bring earlier mammograms and their dates, biopsy results, and reports from any other breast procedures if they were done somewhere else.
- Do not wear deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts that day.
- Wear a top and bottom rather than a dress, so you only need to remove your top and bra.
- Leave necklaces at home.
During the mammogram
A technologist positions one breast at a time on the machine. A plastic plate is lowered to compress the breast for about 10 to 15 seconds while the image is taken. Compression spreads the tissue so less of it overlaps, which makes the picture clearer. It is uncomfortable for most people and painful for some; tell the technologist if it hurts, because repositioning often helps.
Usually two views of each breast are taken. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Tell the technologist about any breast changes or problems, if you have implants, if you have trouble standing or holding still, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Getting your results
A radiologist reads the images and sends a report to the provider who ordered the exam, and the facility sends you a summary in plain language. By federal rule that summary must reach you within 30 days, and sooner if something looks abnormal.
The American Cancer Society's advice is worth repeating: if you do not hear from your provider within 10 days, do not assume the mammogram was normal. Call.
When we arrange your mammogram, the report comes to us and we go over it with you. See understanding your mammogram results.
Frequently asked questions
Next in the breast health hub
Understanding Your Mammogram Results
BI-RADS 0 to 6 in plain language, and why a callback is usually not cancer.
ReadDense Breasts: What Your Report Means
Why your report mentions density, and what to do about it.
ReadMammogram Cost and Insurance in Texas
What private plans, Medicare and Texas programs cover, and where costs appear.
ReadReady to get your screening arranged?
Book a visit at our Addison clinic. We review your risk, help you arrange a mammogram at an imaging center, and go over the results with you.