What happens during a mammogram?

Compression!: A screening mammogram involves taking two pictures of the breast (top-down and side-to-side) to get a complete view of the breast. This is done with the breast tissue "squished" for a few seconds so as to get the best images. I am told that it is as painful as it sounds but the pain usually is gone quickly. Most importantly, we can find cancers much earlier with a high probability for cure.

Mammo: The tech will ask you to stand facing the mammo machine, and place one breast at a time on a flat surface.A flat compression paddle will gently be lowered to compress your breast. Compression spreads out the breast tissue and eliminates motion.The compression may be uncomfortable,but shouldn't hurt. Compression usually lasts no more than a few seconds. 2 views of each breast are obtained.