Mammography Monday’s 
Every Monday I will offer a few tips to help you navigate through the process of having your mammogram.
Mammography is still the most effective tool in our arsenal in the fight against breast cancer. While screening mammograms will not cure breast cancer, it will position us to stay ahead of the curve in which for most of us is half the battle.
Monday
Staying on your P’s & Q’s

The P’s-Preparation & Participation
How should I prepare for my mammogram?
Do not wear deodorant, period. Removing deodorant prior to your mammogram is not recommended. Often, residue from deodorants remains unnoticed in the crevices of your armpit and can cause artifacts on your image. Deodorant artifacts are often misinterpreted as calcification's (Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcification's — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes — may indicate breast cancer).
Do not apply creams, lotions and or talcum powder on your breast prior to your mammogram. These items such as creams or lotions also hinder the quality of your mammogram. They can prevent proper contact during the compression of your breast, and powders contain properties that cause artifacts.
Minimize your caffeine intake, which for some women create breast pain and sensitivity during the positioning and compression of their breast during their mammogram.
How can I participate in my screening mammogram? 
Communicate to the technologist your concerns. You are always in charge! and can say stop at any time during your exam.
Do wear an outfit that has a top and bottom. Because removing just your top is all that is necessary for your mammogram. 
The Q’s-Quiet
Quiet the voices in your head that are telling you to be afraid of a breast cancer diagnosis.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 7 women will not.
Quiet the negative comments from other women who might have experienced an uncomfortable mammogram.

Every woman is unique and will have a different experience. The exam will last approximately 6 minutes, you can do this.