Answering your Mammogram Appointment Questions
Who doesn’t love the feeling of planning and preparing? Goal-setting, appointment making, and adding productive tasks to our to-do list is a great way to set expectations for our week, month or year. Actually completing those items and getting them checked off our list is an even greater feeling!
Some items on the list are less fun than others and “new” or “first-time” items can be scary when you aren’t sure what to expect. Certainly, questions may arise. With many recommended screenings having their unique guidelines, it can be easy to confuse the advice.
The good news is that, in general, there’s not much we need to do to prepare for our mammogram.
Below are some frequently asked questions that should help set your mind at ease:
Can I eat before a mammogram? Short answer: yes. Many health screenings will require you fast prior to the exam, but that’s not the case for a 3D mammogram.
Can I wear deodorant to a mammogram? As much as we all prefer not to smell, ditch the deodorant prior to your 3D mammogram. Antiperspirants and deodorant can show up as white spots on your mammogram results. Additionally, perfume, body lotions, and powder may interfere with your results. Apply your personal care products after your appointment — if it bothers you enough, you may certainly take those go-to personal hygiene products with you to your appointment to apply them immediately after your exam.
Can I wear makeup to a mammogram? Above the jawline, makeup is perfectly okay to wear to your exam. If you usually apply bronzer or body makeup on your chest, however, leave out that step the day of your mammogram.
Can I drink coffee before a mammogram? Coffee is perfectly fine to drink before your mammogram and won’t skew your results, but caffeine in general can make some women’s breast more tender and thus make the mammogram more uncomfortable.
Can I take medication (over-the-counter or prescription) prior to a mammogram? Absolutely yes, you may take your prescriptions as normal the day of your exam. 3D mammogram technology is designed to be more comfortable for women, but if the idea of experiencing discomfort during the exam especially concerns you, it’s just fine to take a couple ibuprofen about a half-hour before your appointment.
What should I wear to my mammogram appointment? You can wear whatever you want to your mammogram appointment, but keep in mind you will need to remove your shirt and bra, so perhaps you want to wear something that will be easy to slip on and off. We provide a gown that opens up at the front to protect your privacy and help you stay more comfortable during your test.
At the end of your day, getting your 3D mammogram is vital to your health and protecting your life could not be easier with local, convenient access to this breast screening. Schedule an appointment with an Avera Medical Group Sibley physician today by calling 712-754-3658 to discuss your breast cancer risks and screening options. Health begins with Self-care. Patients that schedule a mammogram at Osceola Regional Health Center will receive a self-care package (your choice of cozy socks and chamber bucks to be used for self-care in Sibley)! Call 712-754-5361 to schedule your 3D mammogram today!