Mammogram (breast X-ray)

During the test

The X-ray is done with you standing up. You will need to be undressed above your waist. It may be easier to wear a top with trousers or a skirt. To do the X-ray, your breast is put flat onto a metal plate and another plate is gently lowered onto your breast to flatten it out. Then the X-rays are taken.

Does it hurt?

It can be a little bit uncomfortable having your breast flattened out. Your breast may feel a bit tender for a few hours afterwards. If you have the symptoms of imflammatory breast cancer, a mammogram might be too uncomfortable and you may have a punch biopsy instead.

How long does it take?

About 10-15 minutes

After the test

You will be able to go home after the mammogram. You might get your results the same day or it may be a couple of weeks for the results to be available. If you need more tests you might have them on the same day too.