She will ask you to step inside a dressing booth, disrobe from the waist up and put on a robe. Next, she will ask you about your family medical history and explain the procedure to you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about breast cancer and the benefits of mammography. Then, you will go into the adjoining exam room where the mammographer will take radiographs of your breasts. During the examination, your breasts will be compressed to provide a better picture.
Some women find the compression uncomfortable, but it lasts only for a few seconds.
While the mammographer develops your films, you will be invited to relax in the comfortable, private waiting area and view an educational video. When the technologist returns, she will offer instruction in breast self-examination and answer any questions you may have. The entire appointment usually lasts about 30 minutes. We will let your personal physician know that you have scheduled a mammogram. After your visit, one of Provena Mercy's board certified radiologists will interpret the mammogram.