First Mammogram Guide: What to Expect, How to Prepare and When to Schedule
What to Expect at Your First Mammogram
By Jennifer Footit-Tank, BSN, RN, CCP, quality care coordinator at Network Health
2/11/2026
If you’re preparing for your first mammogram, you might be wondering what to expect, whether mammograms hurt, how long they take or even when you should have your first mammogram. These questions are incredibly common, and we hear them from women every day. It’s normal to feel nervous before any new health screening, especially one as personal as this. But you should know: you’re not alone, and today’s technology makes the experience more comfortable, faster and more accurate than ever.
Most importantly, mammograms save lives.
Early detection is the key. Mammograms can’t catch every single cancer, but not having a mammogram will catch zero cancer. So, if you’re preparing to have your first mammogram or haven’t had one in several years, let’s clarify some things so you can feel confident going into your appointment.
Why It’s Normal to Feel Nervous
Are you feeling nervous just at the thought of this? That’s OK. It’s normal. Many women worry, especially if it’s their first mammogram. They don’t know what’s coming and they’re filled with questions like…
- “Do mammograms hurt?”
- “What if the plates are freezing cold?”
- “Is the positioning going to be awkward?”
- “What if something shows up?”
- “How many people are going to see me?”
Do these concerns sound familiar? Then you’re in the right place.
The good thing is that the process today is more comfortable than it used to be on many levels — warm plates, shaped paddles, different size options and techs who move at your pace make a big difference.
What to Expect at Your First Mammogram Appointment
You might be surprised to learn that what many women expect from a mammogram isn’t the reality. Let’s look at what you can expect.
When you check in, you’re brought to a dedicated breast-health suite — many women describe them as calm, quiet and even spa-like.
You’ll go to a private room, change into a robe or soft exam top, and lock up your belongings if you have any.
Your mammography tech stays with you the entire time. Most techs are women, and all techs are trained in imaging and comfort.
They know that a mammogram isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. If necessary, they can and will use different plate sizes and adjust the equipment for your height, mobility needs or comfort.
To protect your modesty, they will have you expose only one breast at a time.
These days, mammography is much more comfortable. You may have heard your mother or grandmother speak with a grimace about the cold, flat plates that compress the breast during imaging. Today, however, you can expect warm plates, curved paddles and even cushions for optimal comfort. Unless your breasts are already sensitive due to cysts or being on your period, you can expect minimal discomfort.
How long will your mammogram be?
Honestly, you might spend more time chatting with the mammogram tech than actually getting scanned. Mammograms are remarkably quick, taking about 10 minutes to do the imaging.
If you’re pressed for time, you can probably even knock out the appointment during your lunch hour.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram Appointment
Now, let’s set you up for success. There isn’t much you need to do to prepare for a mammogram, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind if you want to ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
Scheduling your mammogram…
You may have had frustrations scheduling other health care appointments, with long wait times or a lack of accessibility. Mammogram scheduling is often different, with many locations offering even same-day or next-day openings. In some cases, extended hours might be available. Some providers even have a mammogram bus that might come to your neighborhood.
The night before your mammogram…
You can eat and drink before a mammogram as you normally would. Nothing in your diet affects the imaging, so feel free to have that glass of wine and eat your favorite foods.
If you have an early morning appointment, consider showering the night before so you don’t feel rushed when you wake up.
What you can wear…
Wear a two-piece outfit. This ensures you only have to remove clothing from the waist up, keeping you warmer and more comfortable.
Avoid long earrings or necklaces. If you forget, you’ll be able to remove them at your appointment. Some providers even have lockers to store such items.
Can you wear deodorant to a mammogram?
Preferably no. Don’t have on any deodorant, antiperspirant, lotions, perfume or powders. These can show up on your images as white spots.
If you forget? There are always wipes provided in the changing room to clean off.
Can you wear makeup to a mammogram?
Yes, you can wear makeup. Just don’t have any on your chest or underarms.
What Happens After a Mammogram, and When Do You Get the Results?
Usually, you’ll receive the results of your mammogram within 24 hours. If prior films have to be sent from another facility, it could be longer.
If you scheduled your mammogram as a diagnostic measure because you had concerns over a lump or other symptom, a radiologist might review your imaging right away while you’re still there. If something looks unclear and more imaging is needed, they may request additional views or an ultrasound that same day or the next day.
Will there be pain after a mammogram?
Even mild tenderness after a mammogram is uncommon, let alone pain. That said, if you were already experiencing breast tenderness before your mammogram, then your breast may feel a little extra tender for a short while immediately after compression.
Why Mammograms Are So Important
If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule one TODAY. If you use the guidance above, you’ll have a smooth and comfortable experience.
The reason we urge you to schedule it right away is that delaying screening can allow cancers to grow or spread. As much as you may not want to get a mammogram, avoiding early screening only makes things worse if cancer is present, leading to more invasive treatments and anxiety.
As you can see, many of the reasons for avoiding mammograms is due to misunderstandings or even old imaging equipment. The reality is that a mammogram is a quick, simple and relatively comfortable way to screen for breast cancer.
Need to schedule your first mammogram? Learn more about when and how…
