Are you avoiding your first mammogram because you’re afraid of the unknown?
Let’s talk about the mammo.
If you’ve never had one, you’d think—based on the stories—that it’s a medieval contraption dreamed up by someone who definitely never had to use it. And honestly? It kind of is. The machine is real, the angles are questionable, and it has earned a scary reputation.
Here’s the big-sister truth: it’s really not that bad.
Full disclosure—I pushed mine off for a year and a half because I was a total scaredy cat. I built it up in my head, convinced it would be awful. And now, having actually done it, I can say with confidence: it was completely manageable. Before I walk you through what to expect, I need to say thank you to my real-life big sister who prepped me for this—and so many other life milestones. Every woman deserves a Brenda, I’m here to pass on her advice.
Most women begin mammograms around 40 if they’re not pregnant or nursing. But for many of us—especially Ashkenazi Jewish women—family history or carrying the BRCA gene can change that timeline. That’s why being open with your OB and following your doctor’s guidance matters so much.
So let’s take the mystery out of it. Here’s exactly what it’s going to be like:
What to Expect (and how to make it easier)
1. Skip perfume and deodorant that day.
Anything scented or powdery can interfere with the images, so go fragrance-free.
2. Wear something easy.
You’ll be undressing from the waist up, so a dress or jumper is not ideal. A comfy zip-up or button-down makes things much simpler.
3. The setup is the longest part.
You’ll stand at the machine while the technician carefully positions your body. Think dental X-rays—the prep is actually more uncomfortable than the imaging itself.
4. Expect a little awkward posing.
Your hips and head might be angled in a way that feels like you’re about to wake up with a stiff neck, but it’s quick and almost painless.
5. Yes, it’s basically a panini press.
Once everything’s in place, you will feel very flat for a few seconds. That’s the most uncomfortable part. Totally manageable. If it makes you feel better, you can take two Advil about an hour beforehand, but I’ve done it without and was just fine.
Here’s the bottom line: knowledge is empowering. The fear usually comes from not knowing what to expect, and once you do, it feels a lot less daunting. I hope this helps take some of the stress out of your first mammogram and encourages you to book the appointment you may have been putting off.
You’ve got this. And if you’re scared? That’s okay too—channel it into praying for clear results
The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community
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* Read our very first Big Sister post The 6 Products Only a Big Sister Will Tell You About followed by this Teen Edition.
EXCELLENT I am very proud of you, always.
Love you auntT
100% true article. It really is not so bad. I was so nervous before my first time, I called a friend and she walked me through it and was so reassuring. It’s a bit awkward (being undressed, having them move you around to position it) and a bit uncomfortable as it gets compressed (but just for a few seconds and it’s really not bad at all). Having to hold an odd position may be a little awkward. But really really really so important for everyone! Also a heads up that they told me – sometimes you get a call back after your first time, when you don’t yet have a baseline “normal”, and also because the younger you are, the more dense (and hard to image) you are. So don’t get scared!!!! And make sure to go back and do it again and b”eh all will be well. And if not cv”s, at least you caught it early and can treat. May we all stay healthy!
Also tell them it’s your first time and they should be more gentle and careful. Ask around to find a place which is known for being gentle in general. It can make a big difference in your comfort level.
Breast cancer survivor here. I had no family history and at age 60 was diagnosed on a routine mammogram. Thank Gd it was very small, caught early and I had lumpectomy, radiation and I’m nearly finishing medication. Please do not put off your mammogram it literally could save your life.
Kol hakavod telling for telling it like it is! Thanks
Thank you! This was very helpful and reassuring!
I was very nervous when they told me I have to come back in a few months and then again a few months later but was told that many ppl have this due to dense breast’s. Its completely normal.
its 2026 and they couldnt find a less awkward way of imaging??
Yup in 2026 life can sometimes still be a drop uncomfortable.
There is a kind of ultrasound that is much better at imaging, and so much better for dense breasts. Also, if there is a famiky history, an MRI might be available, which is, again so much better than the mammogram. Mammograms are well known for false positives.
Ultrasounds and mammograms are two different products. An ultrasound alone is not enough to detect cancer.
Another tip is to wear a zip up sweatshirt that day. In my place you need to wait in several waiting rooms in an awkward open in the front gown. This way I feel more covered as I sit with others.
And being pregnant/giving birth/having pap smears is waaay harder.
Thank you BCP- this may be your most important post ever! Dear ladies, once you discover that indeed, it’s not as bad as you think it might be, PLEASE KEEP GOING. Each. And. Every. Year. When cancer is detected early, treatment is simplest, and chemo and/or radiation can possibly be avoided. Yearly mammos are mandatory. Make a yearly appointment with a dear friend, and go out to eat to celebrate another year of life, a gift from Hashem. Preventative medicine is the best medicine.
If you have female cancer risk in the family, your doctor may recommend earlier screening and/or adding a sonogram.
BCP- can you address colonoscopies next?