FDA

Los Angeles District

Come prepared.

Wear a two-piece outfit so you will have to remove only your top.

Don't use deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or near the breasts that day. These products can show up on the x-ray picture.

Bring the name, address, and phone number of your doctor or other health care provider.

Bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatment you have had before.

Ask the facilities where you had mammograms before to release them to you, and bring them with you if possible. Your new mammogram can be compared with the earlier ones to see if there have been any changes.

It also may be helpful to:

Bring a list of any questions you may have about mammography and your mammograms.

If you think you may have trouble hearing or understanding the instructions, consider bringing a friend or family member to help you.

If you are worried about discomfort, you may want to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your mammogram. This will not affect the mammogram.

If there is something you do not understand, ask. And keep asking until all your questions are answered.