Tips for Your Annual Mammogram

It’s established that mammography is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer in most women.* So, putting off your breast cancer screening is the biggest “don’t.” 

To avoid this, we’ve made mammograms extra convenient. We’ve added a new Breast Health Services at Tower Place at 1420 8th Ave., Suite 100, Bethlehem, in addition to the 18 other locations throughout the region.   

We also make sure people know what to consider before a mammogram appointment. Jodi Hooven, a mammography technologist with Breast Health Services at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks, part of Jefferson Health, shares more dos and don’ts about this important screening. 

Women who are born biologically female should get a screening mammogram annually beginning at age 40. If you are at higher risk for breast cancer due to family history or a personal history of certain breast diseases, you may qualify to start annual screenings at an earlier age.

“If you have questions about when you should start getting mammograms, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or a known genetic mutation that can increase your risk, talk to your primary care clinician for their recommendation,” Hooven says.

During your mammogram, a technologist will operate a machine that presses each of your breasts between two compression paddles while a series of images is taken. According to Hooven, the test is quick. “Each image takes about 10 seconds, and the mammogram itself takes about 10 minutes,” she says.

Your images are later reviewed by a breast imaging radiologist at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute,  and the results are sent to you both via MyLVHN, your patient portal, and by mail. Your results will also be sent to your primary care clinician and/or gynecologist. If an area of concern is identified, you will be contacted to set up a follow-up appointment. 

While the test may be uncomfortable, most people do not find it painful. 

“Patients worry that I am going to compress their breasts as thin as possible, but that’s not the case,” Hooven says. “Mammography machines have come a long way, and they are more comfortable than the ones our grandmothers used to tell us about.” 

If you are experiencing pain during your mammogram, or if you did during a previous one, you should let your mammography technologist know.

“If you have a history of breast sensitivity or if you start having pain during your mammogram, we don’t want you to grin and bear it,” Hooven says. “Your technologist will be able to make sure your breast is positioned correctly and also may have options for making your experience more comfortable, like MammoPad ® cushions.”

• You have history. If you are getting a mammogram at a new facility but have had screenings done in the past, bring your records to your appointment. You can also tell the technician where to send a request. This helps your new care team compare images, which is very important.
• Take it easy. If your breast tissue is more sensitive during menstruation, Hooven recommends scheduling your mammogram about 10 days after the start of your period (if possible).
• Cut the coffee. Some people find that cutting back on caffeine before their mammograms helps reduce discomfort. If you want to try this, Hooven recommends not consuming caffeinated beverages for at least a week beforehand.
• Reward yourself. Getting a mammogram is making an investment in yourself, and for that, you deserve a little fun. Hooven recommends doing something you enjoy to celebrate yourself before or after your appointment. “If you can schedule your screening mammogram with a friend at the same place around the same time, that’s great too,” she says. 

• Not if you’re pregnant. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not get a mammogram. Be sure to speak to your primary care clinician or gynecologist about the timing of your next screening.
• Natural is best. It is best to forgo deodorant, powder and lotion under your breasts and arms on the day of your appointment. Metallic particles in these products can show up as false findings/artifacts on mammograms.
• Call your clinician. If you are experiencing any breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump, a nipple that turns inward or breast swelling, don’t wait until your annual screening mammogram. Talk to your clinician about scheduling a diagnostic mammogram, which provides additional evaluation and same-day results. 

In mammography, experience matters. Lehigh Valley Health Network Breast Health Services dedicated breast radiologists and skilled technologists have vast experience, having performed and interpreted more than 140,000 mammograms and breast ultrasounds in 2024. We have been named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by The American College of Radiology®. This designation recognizes health care centers that deliver the safest and most accurate breast cancer screenings.

*Women with dense breast tissue may need additional screening.