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Having a Mammogram

 
Grandmother playing with grandaugheterA mammogram is a quick and easy X-ray of the breast done in complete privacy by a specially trained female technologist.  The appointment should take 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Prepare for the Exam

1)  Schedule the mammogram when your breasts are least sensitive (e.g.,  10 days after your period). Some women find it is helpful to avoid caffeine several days before an exam.

  • 2)  Do not use deodorant, talcum powder, creams or lotions on your breasts or underarms. These products leave a residue that can make it difficult to read your mammogram.

3)  Please do not wear perfume. Many of our screening centres are scent-free areas.

Tip:
 Wear a blouse or sweater with trousers, shorts or a skirt - you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up for the exam


View How a Mammogram is Given
View a short presentation about what happens when you have a screening mammogram - please click on your language preference: English         Chinese        Punjabi


 


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Unofficial document if printed. Please refer to the following web address for up-to-date information: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/Screening/Breast/Mammography+-General+Information.htm