Frequently asked questions

If you are under 40 years old, in most cases a referral from a GP or specialist is required. If you are over 40, referrals are generally not required. However, we need the name of your medical provider (GP or specialist).

It’s a good idea to allow 30min – 1 hour. Unexpected delays can occur but if there is a delay our reception team will let you know as soon as possible.

Wear comfortable clothing and we suggest it is best to wear a skirt or trousers rather than a dress.

A mammogram is still the best procedure for detecting small lumps (and other changes) that can’t be felt by hand. It uses low-dose x-rays to create images of the breast tissue to reveal any abnormalities or problem areas.

At Mercy Breast Clinic, we recommend that women aged 40-50 get a mammogram every year and women over 50, every second year. If you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, speak to us about when you should start having regular mammograms.

Firstly, we’ll ask you to undress above the waist and provide you with a wrap to put on. Next, one of our mammographers will ready the machine’s plates and position your breasts up onto the plates. The upper plate will then be lowered, compressing your breasts for a short period of time while our specialist takes x-ray pictures. You may feel slight discomfort when your breasts are flattened between the plates – if it becomes too unbearable please tell us. The entire procedure will take approximately 20minutes – with the actual breast compression lasting only a few seconds. 

Many women schedule their mammograms around their period cycle. The days leading up to your period, or during your flow, can make your breasts more tender. If you are experiencing or have experienced any breast changes or problems please talk to us about these before your mammogram. It’s also important that you inform us about any medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk—such as breast cancer in your family or hormone risk, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Breast Density is a measure of the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast compared with the amount of fatty tissue. A dense breast has a high proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue and a low proportion of fatty tissue.

How do I know if I have dense breast?

A mammogram is the only way to determine breast density. At MR and MBC we use Volpara software to measure your breast density.

What do dense breasts look like on a mammogram?

Fibrous and glandular tissue appears white on a mammogram, so do some cancers. There is a potential for small tumors to be hidden behind dense tissue.

Why is it important to know my breast density?

Women with a high breast density have a slight increase risk of developing breast cancer. Whilst there is nothing you can do to change your breast density, having this information will guide recommendations regarding frequency of breast screening and whether supplementary imaging such as ultrasound or MRI would be of value.

The American Journal of Radiology has cited data showing about 12-16% of patients receiving either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines developed swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck. This occurred within a week of vaccination and affected the same side as the arm that was injected. Swollen axillary (armpit) lymph nodes can be seen on mammogram and can look similar to lymph nodes associated with a breast cancer.

Mercy Radiology would like to reassure their patients planning on attending for screening mammogram that this information should not be cause for alarm as this is not a common side effect and the risks of delaying mammograms far outweigh the benefits.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the vaccine is working and creating the antibodies needed to fight the virus and should resolve within a few weeks. That said, it is important not to ignore a lump or other change, and let your GP know.

Please do not cancel or reschedule your mammogram if you have been vaccinated and likewise do not cancel your vaccination based on the scheduling of your mammogram.