Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian

Mammography

Before Your Appointment During Your Appointment After Your Appointment

Whether you’ve received a referral for a mammogram or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about a mammogram—from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward. 

What is a Mammogram? 

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of the breast that helps detect early signs of breast cancer, often before symptoms appear.  

At WCINYP, we offer 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis), which takes multiple images of the breast from different angles to create more detailed images.  

Mammograms can indicate when further testing, like a biopsy, may be needed.  

Types of Mammograms 

  • Screening Mammogram: Recommended for women with no symptoms. It helps detect changes that may be cancerous, often before they can be felt. 
  • Diagnostic Mammogram: Used when there are symptoms like a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, or to follow up on an abnormal screening mammogram.  

Mammogram Guidelines 

The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines for early detection of cancer in women who have no symptoms: 

  • Age 40 and older: Schedule a screening mammogram every year.
  • Ages 20-39: Have a clinical breast exam every 3 years as part of your regular health checkup. 
  • High-risk individuals (family history or genetic risk): Talk to your doctor about starting screenings earlier or having them more frequently. 

Screening recommendations vary based on your personal and family history. Your doctor can help you decide what’s best for your health. 

Before Your Appointment

Scheduling Your Exam

Our Patient Access Coordinators are available to assist with scheduling your appointment. 

(212) 746-6000 

Monday through Friday, 8AM to 7PM ET, and Saturday and Sunday, 9AM to 5PM ET. 

Our Locations that Offer Mammography

  • Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center (Midtown East)
  • Lower Manhattan
  • Long Island City 

Complete Your Forms Easily

Log in to Weill Cornell Connect to complete your safety forms ahead of time using eCheck-In. It’s quick and helps save you time on the day of your appointment. 

Don’t have an account? Join today! 

Preparing for Your Exam

When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:

  • You have breast implants.
  • You need an interpreter in your language. 

FAQ

What should I wear to my mammography appointment?

Wearing the right clothing may eliminate the need for you to change into a gown prior to your exam. We suggest:

  • Comfortable clothing that is easy to remove if needed.
  • Avoid using deodorant, talcum powder, lotion, or oils on the day of your visit, as these can affect the quality of the images. 

What should I bring with me on the day of my mammography appointment?

  • A copy of your prescription if you have it. You can also upload your prescription before your exam here.
  • Your insurance card.
  • A list of your current medications.
  • Any prior imaging that has been done outside of Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University or NewYork-Presbyterian. 

Do I need to fast before my mammography?

No. Fasting is not required for a mammogram. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. 

What can I expect on the day of my mammography appointment?

  • Check in and Patient Verification: Your safety is our priority—we’ll verify your information when you check-in. 
  • Changing: We’ll ask you to change into a gown. 

A medical chaperone is a member of our healthcare team who acts as an impartial observer of the examination or procedure. Depending on the exam you are having, a medical chaperone will be offered to ensure your comfort. You may always request a medical chaperone at any time, even if not required for your exam.  

What if I’ve had a previous mammogram at a different facility?

Before you arrive, our breast imaging specialists will review your history to ensure that the most appropriate test(s) are performed. If you have had prior imaging that was done outside of Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, or NewYork-Presbyterian, please let us know when scheduling your appointment. We’ll follow up with instructions on how to share your previous imaging with us.

During Your Appointment

How is Mammography Performed?

  • You will be comfortably positioned at the mammography unit, seated or standing.
  • A paddle will gently press against each breast for about 7 to 10 seconds per view.
  • You may be asked to briefly hold your breath while the X-rays are taken.
  • If you feel any discomfort during the exam, notify your technologist right away.

After the Scan is Completed

The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings. Our staff will assist you with check out. 

After Your Appointment

Aftercare

  • You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Imaging Review

Once the technologist has taken your images, a dedicated breast radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:

  • Abdominal
  • Breast
  • Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
  • Molecular
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
  • Pediatrics

If your screening mammogram shows something that needs a closer look, you may be called back for additional imaging. This doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. We just want to get a clearer view to be as thorough as possible. 

Receiving Your Results

Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.

Sharing Your Results

All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.

For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.

Understanding Your Results

Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have. 

If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.  

For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.  

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Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian

(212) 746-6000