Having a mammogram
Patient Information Factsheet
What is a mammogram?
- A mammogram is an x-ray of a breast.
- X-rays use a small amount of high energy rays to take a picture of the inside of your body.
- It is performed by a specially trained Radiographer, called a Mammographer.
- Only female mammographers are employed within the Breast Imaging Service. This maintains patient dignity, privacy, and confidence.
- Mammograms take place in the Outpatient Radiology Department.
Who should not have a mammogram?
To avoid unnecessary radiation, you should not have a mammogram if you:
- have had one within the last six months
- if you are, or think you may be, pregnant
- if you are breastfeeding. The changes in the breasts make it difficult to read the images.
During a mammogram, you need to be carefully positioned on the x-ray machine. You must hold this position for several seconds.
Because of this, you may not be able to have a mammogram if you have trouble moving your upper body or cannot hold yourself up without help.
The Mammographer will check whether a mammogram is right for you when you come for your appointment.
Please also tell your Mammographer if you have breast implants. They can adjust the pressure used during the x-ray.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a mammogram?
- A mammogram is a quick and safe test that helps find problems in the breast.
- It uses very small doses of radiation. Finding breast cancer early is more helpful than the small risk from the radiation.
What does it involve?
- Before your mammogram the Mammographer will explain what will happen and answer any questions you may have.
- You will then be asked to undress from the waist up.
- Please wear separates, such as a top and a skirt, or trousers, to make this easier. Do not wear dresses or jumpsuits.
- You can ask for a gown, but you will still need to take it off for the mammogram.
- Please do not use deodorant, antiperspirant or talcum powder on the day of your appointment as these can affect the quality of the x-ray.
- During the mammogram, your breast is pressed between two small flat plates attached to the x-ray machine.
- This is needed to get clear images, but it may feel uncomfortable.
- Our mammographers are trained to use the right amount of pressure, and it only lasts a few seconds.
- Several x-rays will be taken of your breast from different angles.
- The number of x-rays you need will depend on your situation. You may have one or both breasts x-rayed.
- When the Mammographer has all the x-rays needed, they will let you know and you can get dressed.
How long does it take?
It should take between 5 and 10 minutes. When will I get my results?
Over the next 10 days, your mammogram images will be read by two Radiologists (specialist imaging doctors) separately.
If the Radiologists do not find any problems, your results will be sent straight to the breast surgeon.
Your results will be given to you at your next follow-up clinic appointment.
If you are on the remote monitoring pathway you will be sent your results by letter.
If the Radiologists would like a closer look at any area of the breast, you will be contacted by the imaging department within 14 days.
More images may be needed for:
- Magnified images of a certain area, particularly areas containing calcium flecks.
- Breast tomosynthesis takes many pictures of the breast to make a 3D image. This helps the Radiologist look through the breast tissue and find any areas that are thicker.
- Images from a different angle.
- Extended images of the standard (usual) views.
- Ultrasound scan of the breast tissue.
Contact our service
Tel: 020 7288 5888, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.