On the day of your test, you should not use any powders, ointments, lotions or deodorant under your arms or on the breasts. These products can interfere with the x-ray film's clarity. You will stand in front of the x-ray machine, and a trained radiology technician will have you place each breast between two plastic plates, one at a time. The plates press your breast and make it as flat as possible to get a good clear picture of all of the breast tissue. The x-ray is taken when the breast is compressed.
Some women have some discomfort during the compression, but it only lasts a few seconds.
Some women worry about the radiation that they are exposed to during the x-rays. The benefits of a mammogram are considered to far outweigh the radiation risk. Before you leave, ask the radiologist when your test results will be ready. If you are not notified in a timely manner, be sure and call and ask for your results. They will usually be ready within two weeks.