Which specialist performs a mammogram?

The radiographer positions your breasts on the imaging equipment and takes the required views. They may adjust your position to include the breast tissue clearly while keeping the compression as brief as possible. A radiologist, a doctor trained in medical imaging, examines the images and prepares the report for the clinician who referred you. The person carrying out the scan is therefore not usually the person who gives the final imaging interpretation.

Book through a breast-imaging or radiology department and bring previous breast images or reports if they are available. On the day, avoid deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion on the chest and underarm area because these can appear on the images. Tell the team if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, have breast implants, or are breastfeeding. Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up, and mention any breast tenderness so positioning can be handled carefully.

Arrange medical assessment promptly for a new breast lump, bloody nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inward unexpectedly, or skin that becomes dimpled or thickened. These findings do not by themselves establish a diagnosis, but they should not wait for routine screening. A mammogram may be one part of the assessment, alongside examination and other imaging when needed.

Ask who will perform the examination, when the radiologist's report will be available, and whether you need diagnostic imaging rather than screening. You can also ask what to do if you have implants, breast pain, or a prior abnormal result.