A breast radiology doctor speaks to any possible discomfort with mammograms and how you can get the most out of the experience.
Do Mammograms Hurt? A Cleveland Clinic Expert Shares What To Expect and How Long It Takes
Published on Mar. 06, 2025
About the expert
Laura Dean, MD, is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist at Cleveland Clinic, where she has been practicing since 2014. She completed her residency at Northwestern University’s Foster McGaw Medical Center, followed by a specialized fellowship in breast imaging at the Lynn Sage Breast Center in Chicago, IL.
Highlights
- Mammograms can detect breast cancer early and save lives.
- Screening starts at age 40, with frequency guided by your doctor.
- Before the exam, you’ll answer key health history questions.
- The procedure is usually quick with minimal, adjustable discomfort.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is an impressive 99%. The most powerful tool for early detection of breast cancer are mammograms. Thanks to advancements in breast cancer screening and treatment, the outlook for patients is more hopeful than ever.
Still, it can be easy to put off scheduling a mammogram. Maybe it’s your first one, and you’re unsure what to expect. Perhaps you’re concerned if the mammogram will hurt, or life just keeps getting in the way. The encouraging news? The exam itself is quick, says Laura Dean, MD, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and breast imaging specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, and while some women may experience brief discomfort, mammograms aren’t designed to be painful. Most importantly, getting screened is a proactive step in protecting your health.
“Studies have shown that the most lives are saved from breast cancer when screening mammography is performed yearly, starting at the age of 40,” Dr. Dean says. Yet despite this well-established benefit, confusion remains about when to start screening and how often to go. “Therefore, it is important for women to talk to their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate screening regimen.”
Ahead, Dr. Dean explains what to expect during a mammogram and steps to help you stay as comfortable as possible during your mammogram.
What is a mammogram?
“A mammogram is a specialized form of medical X-ray that is specifically designed to look at breast tissue,” says Dr. Dean. “Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer detection and is the only screening tool that has been shown to decrease mortality from breast cancer.”
The Cleveland Clinic notes that there are two main types of mammograms:
- 2D mammography captures images of each breast from two angles, typically from top to bottom and side to side.
- 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is a more advanced technique in which a machine moves in an arc over the breast, taking multiple X-ray images. A computer then compiles these images into thin slices, providing a more detailed, three-dimensional view of the breast tissue.
Doctors use mammograms to detect early signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear, a process known as screening mammography. If a patient develops breast cancer symptoms such as a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast skin, a diagnostic mammogram can help identify any abnormalities.
This image of a mammography machine illustrates the two trays between which the tissue is positioned. The machine is adjusted to a comfortable height for you. Once the breast has been placed on the lower tray, the two trays compress together for the imaging scan.
How to prepare for a mammogram
Dr. Dean assures that no special preparation is needed for a mammogram appointment. (You also don’t need to fast before your mammogram, which some women’s health professionals have said is a common question from patients.)
Dr. Dean advises against using deodorant, lotions, or powders on the day of the exam, as these products can interfere with imaging. If you forget, don’t worry—most facilities provide wipes.
Before the screening, the technologist will ask a few key questions, such as whether there is any chance of pregnancy or if there are specific breast concerns the radiologist should be aware of. Patients may also be asked about their family history, the age they began menstruating, and other relevant health factors. “So briefly thinking through those items ahead of time may be helpful at the appointment,” Dr. Dean suggests.
Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of notifying the technologist about any past breast surgeries, including augmentation with implants, as these may require additional specialized imaging during the exam.
What to expect during a mammogram
Dr. Dean explains that the technologist will guide you through each step of the process. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- You’ll need to remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up. A provider will give you an open-front hospital gown or drape to wear.
- You’ll stand in front of the mammography machine, and the technologist will assist you in positioning one breast at a time on a support plate.
- A plastic paddle will lower to gently compress your breast. This helps spread the tissue for clearer images. You may feel some discomfort or pressure, but it lasts only a few seconds. If it’s too uncomfortable, let the technologist know—they can make adjustments.
- The machine captures two standard views of each breast: A top-down view and side-to-side view
- If you have two breasts, the steps will be repeated for the other side. (Note some patients may only have one breast due to prior medical treatments or another cause.)
- Once all images are taken, the procedure is complete. You can put your clothes back on and leave the facility.
How long does a mammogram take?
The length of a mammogram depends on the type you receive. “A standard 2D mammogram will only take several minutes, as two very quick images of each breast are obtained,” says Dr. Dean. A 3D mammogram takes slightly longer because the machine scans across the breast tissue with each image. “In general, a routine 3D screening mammogram should be completed in less than about 15 minutes.”
Do mammograms hurt?
“Mammography in and of itself is not meant to be a painful test,” says Dr. Dean. Because the test requires compressing the breast tissue, some women may feel mild, momentary discomfort. However, the technologist will adjust the positioning to make the experience as comfortable as possible. “If discomfort is experienced, it should be brief and temporary,” she adds.
How to reduce pain during a mammogram
“If you know your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to compression, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen before your exam may be helpful,” says Dr. Dean. Taking it about an hour before your appointment can make the procedure more tolerable.
Timing also matters. Scheduling your mammogram for a point in your menstrual cycle when your breasts are less tender may help minimize discomfort.
Another potential solution is patient-directed compression. “Some facilities offer patient-directed compression, which allows the patient to take control of how much pressure is being applied to the breast tissue,” explains Dr. Dean. Check with your imaging center in advance to see if this is available.
How long does it take to get results from a mammogram?
“Timing of results varies by facility, but by federal law, patients are required to receive a written result in lay language within 30 days of the mammogram,” explains Dr. Dean. In most cases, results are available much sooner, so it’s always a good idea to ask about the expected turnaround time at your imaging center.
Notification of your results may come by phone, your healthcare provider’s app or other digital communication system (such as email), or as a letter in the mail.
How often should you get a mammogram?
How frequently you should get a mammogram depends on your individual risk factors, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For those at average risk of developing breast cancer, mammograms are recommended every one to two years starting at age 40. If you’re at higher risk, you may need to begin screening earlier or have mammograms more often. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best screening schedule based on your medical history and personal risk factors.
What’s most important to remember: mammograms save lives. While it’s natural to feel anxious about the test—whether due to discomfort or fear of abnormal results—routine screening is essential for early detection of breast cancer. “The goal should be to make the experience as seamless and comfortable as possible, such that patients will continue to return for this important and life-saving test,” says Dr. Dean. If you have concerns about mammography, discuss them with your doctor.
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