Preparing for Your Mammogram at Epoch Medical Imaging
Preparing for your mammogram at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. What to wear, avoid and expect on the day. Caring breast imaging for the North Shore community.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram — Dos and Don'ts
Preparing for your mammogram is simple, and following a few straightforward guidelines helps ensure the best quality images and the most comfortable experience.
Do:
– Schedule your appointment for the week after your period when possible — breasts are typically less sensitive at this time, which can meaningfully reduce any discomfort from the brief compression.
– Let our team know about any previous breast surgery, implants, or significant family history when booking — so we can note this for the radiologist.
– Bring your referral from your GP or specialist.
Don’t:
– Apply deodorant, antiperspirant, talcum powder, or body lotion to the underarm or breast area on the day of your appointment — these products can create marks on the mammogram image that may need to be investigated further.
– Wear a one-piece dress or complicated clothing — a two-piece outfit (separate top and skirt or pants) makes undressing for the scan much easier and quicker.
Following these simple steps ensures your mammogram is as accurate and as comfortable as possible.
What to Wear and What to Avoid on the Day of Your Mammogram
What you wear and what you avoid on the day of your mammogram makes a practical difference to both your experience and image quality.
What to wear:
– A two-piece outfit — a separate top and skirt or trousers. You will need to undress from the waist up, so separates are significantly more convenient than a dress or one-piece.
– Comfortable, practical clothing without complicated buttons or fasteners.
– A comfortable bra that is easy to remove.
What to avoid:
– Deodorant, antiperspirant, talcum powder, or body lotion applied to the underarm or breast area — these products contain particles that can appear as white specks on the mammogram image.
– Jewellery around the neck and upper chest should be removed before imaging begins.
A private change room and a gown are provided at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, and our friendly team will guide you through every step of the appointment with care and professionalism.
Is a Mammogram Painful? Managing Discomfort
A very common question from women attending their first mammogram is whether it will be painful. The honest answer is that most women experience brief, mild-to-moderate discomfort — but the level varies between individuals and is significantly influenced by where you are in your menstrual cycle.
What to expect:
– Each breast is placed between two imaging plates and briefly compressed for a few seconds per image — this is the source of any discomfort.
– The compression is necessary to flatten the breast tissue, spread it evenly, and produce a sharp, clear image — it cannot be avoided.
– The compression typically lasts only 3 to 5 seconds per image.
– Most women describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain, and it passes immediately when the compression releases.
Tips to reduce discomfort:
– Schedule your mammogram for the week after your period when breasts are typically less tender.
– Let our team know if you have particular sensitivity and we can adjust positioning to optimise your comfort.
The brief discomfort is well worth the benefit of a thorough, accurate breast assessment.
How Long Does a Mammogram Take and When Are Results Ready?
A mammogram appointment at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives is an efficient experience — most women are pleasantly surprised by how quick it is.
Duration:
– The total appointment takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
– The actual imaging — two views of each breast — takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
– No recovery time is needed — you can drive yourself and return to normal activities immediately.
Getting your results:
– Your mammogram images are reviewed by our specialist breast radiologist.
– A written report using the BI-RADS classification is sent to your referring GP or specialist within 24 to 48 hours.
– Your GP will contact you to discuss the findings and advise on any recommended next steps.
– For the vast majority of women, their mammogram returns a reassuring result — providing peace of mind about their breast health.
For any questions about your upcoming mammogram at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, call our friendly team on (02) 9129 6999.
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