What to Expect: Compassionate Care Behind Every Mammogram

By Cassie McFall, Medical Imaging Director

For many women, scheduling a mammogram can bring feelings of uncertainty or anxiety. Some may worry about discomfort, while others may simply be unsure of what to expect. At Southern Tennessee Regional Health System – Pulaski, our goal is to make the experience as comfortable, private and reassuring as possible from the moment you arrive.

After signing in, our registration team will guide you to our dedicated Women’s Imaging Suite. This area offers patients added privacy and a calm, comfortable environment away from the hospital’s emergency care areas. You will be provided with a gown and shown to a private dressing area, where you will undress from the waist up and remove any deodorant or lotion.

Patients do not need to avoid wearing deodorant on the day of their appointment. We provide wipes to remove it before the exam, as well as wipes to reapply it afterward.

Once you are ready, one of our highly trained mammography technologists will guide you through the entire exam. Your technologist will explain each step, help position you correctly and answer any questions you may have. During the mammogram, each breast is gently compressed for several seconds while the X-ray machine captures images that a radiologist will examine for signs of breast cancer or other changes.

The compression can feel uncomfortable, but it lasts only a few seconds at a time. An average mammogram appointment takes 20 minutes or less, making it a small investment of time that can have a lasting impact on your health.

Behind every mammogram is a team of caring and compassionate professionals who understand that the experience may feel personal or intimidating. From the registration staff who welcome you to the technologist who performs your exam, our team works to protect your privacy, answer your questions and help you feel supported throughout your visit.

Women age 40 and older do not need a written referral to schedule a routine annual screening mammogram. However, patients who are experiencing an unusual breast symptom—such as a lump, nipple discharge or another concerning change—will need a written referral from a healthcare provider for a diagnostic mammogram.

When scheduling or registering, be sure to provide current contact information, including your email address, and ask our team how your results will be made available.

Breast cancer may develop before noticeable symptoms appear, which is why routine screening is so important. If you are due for your annual mammogram, we encourage you to make time for yourself and schedule your appointment. Our Women’s Imaging team is ready to care for you every step of the way.

To schedule a mammogram at STRHS Pulaski, call 931-538-1557.