8 Tips For Good Mammograms

1. Ask to see the FDA certificate that is issued to all facilities that meet high professional standards of safety and quality.

2. Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or performs many mammograms a day.

3. If you are satisfied that the facility is of high quality, continue to go there on a regular basis so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year.

4. If you change facilties, ask for your old mammograms to bring with you to the new facility so that they can be compared to the new ones.

5. If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help to lessen discomfort.

6. Don't wear deoderant powder or cream under your arms--it may interfere with the quality of the mammogram.

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

8. If you do not hear from your physician within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal -- confirm this by calling your physician or the facility.