Mammograms are a regular part of an older woman’s health care routine. The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to prepare.

Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule your mammogram, you will need to find a radiology facility. These places typically offer a variety of other services as well, such as MRIs or X-rays – something to keep in mind should you ever need to reach out to your chosen location in the future. A simple search for radiology in Toms River NJ or your current city will help you locate a place that makes you feel comfortable. If you have not gone through menopause, it’s best to schedule your exam the week after your period, as this is the time when your breasts are least likely to feel tender.

Bring Prior Images

If you have recently moved and are visiting this facility for the first time, bring any previous mammogram images to your appointment. You can ask to have your old images placed on a CD, which will be helpful for your new doctor to see if there are any changes.

No Lotion Or Deodorant

On the day of your mammogram, be sure not to wear any deodorant or lotion. It’s possible that these things can hide calcification or show up as a speck that is interpreted incorrectly. Depending on how much you wear, lotion can also cause your skin to be slippery, therefore making it difficult for the machine to analyze as much of the breast tissue as possible. If you wear deodorant or lotion regularly, place these items in a separate room the night before to avoid grabbing them out of habit.

Once you have found your facility, the steps you must take before a mammogram are easy. The more you go, the more comfortable you will become with this simple procedure.