In preparing for a mammogram, women can gather information that may be valuable to the physician. Information to report includes:

• Problems with breasts
• Past breast biopsies or surgeries
• Whether the patient has implants
• Whether the patient is pregnant or nursing
• Whether the patient is using hormone replacement therapy or taking hormones or treatment for any breast disorders
• Timing of menstrual cycle
• Whether the patient has started menopause
  

Patients who schedule an exam at a new facility should be sure to bring prior mammograms and accompanying reports with them. It is important to bring the original mammogram films, rather than copies. Federal law requires that all mammography facilities give patients their original mammograms when needed.

During a mammogram, a woman’s breasts will be compressed. Patients should not schedule these exams when breasts are likely to be tender, such as the week before or week of a menstrual period. The week after a menstrual period is often the time when a woman’s breasts are least tender.

On the day of the test, women should not apply any of the following under their arms or to their breasts:

• Deodorants and antiperspirants
• Powders
• Lotions
• Creams
• Perfumes
  

Some of these cosmetics can cause densities on mammograms, leading to confusion during the reading of the mammogram.

Women with a history of breast pain (mastalgia) or tenderness should consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication about one hour prior to a mammogram.