Preparing for a breast screening appointment

Most people are not sure what to do before a first mammogram: whether to bring anything, what to wear, and what the staff need to know. The agencies below give consistent advice on most points and differ on a few details, which this page notes. Practices vary between services and countries, so your invitation letter or screening service has the final word on what applies to you.

What to bring

If you are going to a facility for the first time, the American Cancer Society suggests bringing prior medical records, including earlier mammograms with their dates, biopsy results and reports from any other breast procedures.11American Cancer Society: Tips for Getting a Mammogram Practical advice on what to bring, wear and tell staff; page opened 11 October 2026. RadiologyInfo.org adds that earlier images from another location are needed so the radiologist can compare them with the new exam, and that they can often be obtained on a disc.22RadiologyInfo.org: Mammography Last reviewed 4 February 2025; covers preparation, the exam and results. The National Cancer Institute notes that radiologists compare the new mammogram with past ones to look for changes since the last visit.33National Cancer Institute: Mammograms Explains what a mammogram shows, preparation and how results are reported.

What to tell staff

The American Cancer Society lists several things to mention: any breast changes or symptoms, breast implants, trouble standing and holding still without a cane or walker, and breastfeeding or a possible pregnancy. It also asks you to make sure your provider knows about surgery, hormone use and any personal or family history of breast cancer.11American Cancer Society: Tips for Getting a Mammogram Lists what to tell the testing center and provider. RadiologyInfo.org says to tell your doctor or the technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.22RadiologyInfo.org: Mammography Says to tell your doctor or technologist about any possibility of pregnancy.

The NHS asks screening services to be told in advance about implants (an extra x-ray may be needed), a pacemaker or other implanted device, pregnancy or breastfeeding, a recent mammogram, a mastectomy, or a wish to have a carer, interpreter or friend with you. It also says a longer appointment or a different location can be arranged, and that wheelchair access is available at most breast screening clinics and some mobile units.44NHS: How to book or change a breast screening appointment Page last reviewed 9 October 2025; lists what to tell the screening service. The National Cancer Institute says people with implants should still have mammograms and that special implant displacement views may be used.33National Cancer Institute: Mammograms States that people with implants should continue mammograms and may have implant displacement views.

What to wear, and what to skip

Both the American Cancer Society and the NHS suggest a top and bottom, or a top that is easy to remove, rather than a dress, because you undress only above the waist.55NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment Page last reviewed 9 October 2025; lists what to do and not do before screening. Leave necklaces and nipple piercings at home, and the NHS adds that a binder must be removed. On the day, avoid deodorant, antiperspirant and powder. The National Cancer Institute extends this to lotions, creams and perfumes on the breasts or under the arms, and the American Cancer Society says some of these products can show up as white spots on the image.33National Cancer Institute: Mammograms Lists deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams and perfumes to avoid on the day.11American Cancer Society: Tips for Getting a Mammogram Says some products can appear as white spots on a mammogram.

Timing, comfort and how long it takes

Several agencies suggest, if you can choose the date, avoiding the time when your breasts are most tender. The American Cancer Society puts this at the week before a period for people who have not been through menopause, and RadiologyInfo.org says the best time is one week after a period.22RadiologyInfo.org: Mammography Advises avoiding the week before a period if breasts are usually tender, and says the best time is one week after.11American Cancer Society: Tips for Getting a Mammogram Advises avoiding the week before a period for people who have not gone through menopause. If you are invited by an NHS letter, the appointment is pre-booked, but the service can change it on request.44NHS: How to book or change a breast screening appointment Says invitations give a pre-booked appointment and that you can contact the service to change it.

The NHS says the mammograms themselves take a few minutes and the whole appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes, with each breast pressed between two plastic plates for a few seconds.55NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment States the whole appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes and that mammograms take a few minutes. It describes screening as often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, with discomfort that should not last long, and says you can ask to stop at any time. The American Cancer Society says the procedure takes about 20 minutes, and the National Cancer Institute says an over-the-counter pain medicine taken beforehand may lessen discomfort; ask your own doctor first.11American Cancer Society: Tips for Getting a Mammogram Says the whole procedure takes about 20 minutes and that compression can be painful for some people.33National Cancer Institute: Mammograms Says over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure may lessen discomfort.

After the appointment

The National Cancer Institute says US screening results arrive within about 2 weeks by mail or in an electronic record, and the NHS gives the same usual timeframe by letter. RadiologyInfo.org advises asking when results will be available and not assuming a normal result if you hear nothing.22RadiologyInfo.org: Mammography Advises asking when results will be available.33National Cancer Institute: Mammograms Says screening results arrive within about 2 weeks by mail or electronic record. Sometimes another mammogram is needed for a clearer picture, and the NHS says a longer wait for results does not mean anything is wrong. What the letter's wording and categories can mean is explained in understanding results.66NHS: Your breast screening results Reviewed 9 October 2025; results usually within 2 weeks, and extra mammograms may be needed.

Questions worth asking

Good questions to bring include: Do I need a referral, or can I book directly? What will this exam cost me, and are follow-up tests covered? When and how will I get results? Can someone come with me, and what access support exists? For costs and coverage, see costs and access to screening, and for how this test compares with others, see methods of breast cancer screening. The CDC adds that screening can take place at a clinic, hospital or doctor's office, and that your doctor's office can help schedule it.77Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Screening for Breast Cancer Updated 22 September 2026; says where screening can be done. Guidance can change, and the guide's main page gives the wider context.