During the test
A mammogram is usually done at a clinic by an X-ray technologist. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and may be given a gown to wear.
The X-ray machine consists of two plates. You will stand in front of the machine and place your breast between the plates. The machine then lowers the top plate to compress your breast, allowing a better image of the breast tissue. You may feel some discomfort and pressure for a few seconds. The X-ray technologist will repeat the same procedure on the other breast. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.
After the test
You can resume your normal activities after a mammogram.
The X-ray will be viewed by a radiologist and sent to your doctor. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have the results. If an abnormal growth is detected in a mammogram, the doctor may want you to have additional tests done, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), an ultrasound, or a biopsy (where a needle is used to take a sample of breast tissue) to examine the tissue further.
It's important to keep in mind that no test is 100% accurate, and as with any test, a mammogram may produce false positive results (a positive result for someone who does not have breast cancer) or false negative results (a negative result for someone who really does have breast cancer).