V. Mammogram Musts

i. Try to schedule a mammogram when your breasts are not tender in order to reduced discomfort and increase clarity of the images. If you have tender breasts or have had mild pain with a prior mammogram, take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the procedure to help alleviate the pain.

ii. Avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period. Also, if you think you are pregnant, are breast feeding or recently stopped breast feeding, make sure to let the technologist and doctor know.

iii. Use the same facility year after year, this way it is easy to compare new and old films. If you are going to a new facility, bring or gain access to your records/results for review or comparison.

iv. Don’t wear deodorant, antiperspirants, lotions , creams or perfumes on or around your breasts and under arms. These can show up on the mammogram as white spots and can result in an inaccurate reading.

v. Reduce caffeine intake in the day(s) preceding your mammogram. Caffeine can cause inflammation in the breast and may make the procedure more uncomfortable.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.