Getting Your First Mammogram: What to Expect

Preparing for your very first mammogram, whether you’re 24 or 40, can be nerve-racking. You’ve probably heard stories about machines that squish your breasts, or friends complaining about how painful it is. Envisioning that process may intimidate you, but let’s get a couple things straight:

  1. Mammograms save lives
  2. It really isn’t as bad as they say it is

Mammograms Save Lives

Breast cancer, when detected early and treated properly, can save your life. We can’t promise it will be a picnic, but the compression we apply to your breasts that allow us to get such precise, 3-D images, really do help the doctor detect cancer at the earliest possible stage – even before you can feel a lump.

What Should I Do When I Arrive?

When you first arrive, you will check in and be given a gown to change into. We recommend that you don’t wear any deodorant or perfume, lotions or oils on the day of your exam to prevent any interference with the machine.

During the Mammogram

Your dignity and privacy will be respected at all times. Our trained technicians will explain every step of the procedure to you as they are doing it. They may double-check to make sure they obtained clear imagery before moving on to the next set of images. Images will be taken of your breasts from a number of different angles. You will experience some pressure as the machine presses against your breast, but for most women it’s not painful – just strange or uncomfortable feeling.

After the Mammogram

After your mammogram, you’ll be invited to get dressed. Your images will be sent to the lab to be analyzed. You will be contacted by your physician with the results.

How Pure Mammography Is Different

Rather than a hospital or clinical setting, we offer a spa setting in which you can feel relaxed and comfortable, even pampered, during your mammogram. From the moment you walk through the door, you can expect a warm and caring experience. Our mammogram facility was designed in collaboration with a world leader in spa design — every detail has been considered to make your mammogram experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from warm robes and a serene lounge area to relaxing music and beverages.

Having regular 3D mammograms performed by an experienced board-certified breast imaging specialist is the best way to detect abnormalities early. If you do require annual mammograms, we invite you to visit PURE Mammography on Long Island today. There is no appointment necessary; you can simply stop in at your convenience. You can also call 631-652-3424 or fill out the form on this page to learn more about PURE or to pre-schedule an appointment.

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