Getting a mammogram might seem intimidating for those who have never gotten one before. If it’s new to you, you might be going to an unfamiliar facility, and everyone seems to have their own story about their experience. However, mammograms are key to an early breast cancer diagnosis. These x-rays can detect breast cancer even before a lump can be felt. Make the most of your mammogram with these five tips.

1. Talk with your health care provider. If you’ve noticed any changes to your breasts, be sure to discuss them with your health care provider before you have your mammogram.

2. Be selective about your location. If you have a choice of where you get your mammogram, aim for a facility that does many mammograms a day. Also, try to go to the same facility every time you get a mammogram. That way your x-rays can be easily compared in the future, which will help doctors spot potential changes.

3. Take steps to prepare. To ensure your technician gets good pictures of your breasts, schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen. This will also reduce discomfort. Try to avoid the week before your period if you’re still menstruating, as that is when breasts are commonly tender. Avoid wearing deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of your exam. Deodorants can show up as white spots on a mammogram.

4. Try to relax. A technician will position each of your breasts for the x-rays. You and the technician are the only ones in the room. People often feel some discomfort during mammograms. That’s because your breasts must get flattened on a machine plate for a high-quality x-ray. This compression will only last a few seconds on each breast. If you start to feel pain, tell your technician right away.

5. Follow up with your health care provider for results. Often, your health care provider will contact you with the results of your mammogram. If you do not hear from them within 10 business days, do not assume that your results are normal. Call the facility where you had your mammogram or your provider to get your results. A full report will be sent to your provider. Clinics also must mail patients their mammogram results within 30 days or as quickly as possible if the results suggest cancer.

Source: American Cancer Society