What happens at a mammogram?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Each breast is positioned on a plate and compressed firmly for a few seconds while x-rays are taken from more than one angle - about 20 minutes total, undressed from the waist up. The compression spreads the tissue so the radiologist can read it clearly and keeps the dose low. Results follow within days to a couple of weeks.
What to do
- Time it after your period. Breasts are least tender the week after, which makes compression easier.
- Skip deodorant and lotion that day. Residue can appear on the image and force retakes.
- Bring prior images to a new facility. Comparisons catch change and cut false alarms.
- Do not fear a callback. Most callbacks for more images end in benign findings - it is the system being thorough.
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