If you have breast implants, breast screening can still fit into your life without turning into a stressful project. The appointment may look a little different, but the goal stays the same: stay consistent and know what’s normal for you. This guide shares general information to help you feel prepared. It isn’t medical advice, so use it as a starting point and check in with your clinician for personalized guidance.
Here’s what this covers. Use it to plan your next step.
- What to say when you book your mammogram
- What happens during imaging with implants
- How to build a simple routine you’ll follow
1. Start with your baseline risk and a simple schedule
A plan works best when it’s based on your baseline. Your “baseline” is the mix of things that shape screening decisions, like age, family history, and past breast imaging. It’s also any history that raises your risk, such as certain prior findings. Start from facts, not assumptions.
Most people fall into an average-risk group, but some factors can shift the conversation. For an overview of typical timing, start with the USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendation. If you’ve had chest radiation, a strong family history, or a previous high-risk finding, ask your clinician what a personalized plan looks like for you. Before you decide your schedule, write down:
- Your age and any past imaging dates
- Close family history of breast/ovarian cancer
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed (and when)
- The year your implants were placed (if you know it)
- Where did you have your last mammogram
2. Book smarter: tell the imaging centre you have implants early
The booking call is where you set yourself up. Letting the imaging team know about implants helps them schedule the right time and plan the right technique. It can also reduce day-of stress because nobody is scrambling for details. You’re not asking for special treatment—you’re sharing useful information.
When you book, keep it simple and specific. A quick script works: “I’m scheduling a screening mammogram, and I have breast implants.” Ask whether they do implant-displaced views and whether you should bring prior images, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve had a mammogram with breast implants. If you’ve changed facilities, ask how they prefer to receive earlier mammograms. Bring what you can:
- Prior imaging location and approximate date
- Implant type (saline or silicone, if known)
- A short list of questions you don’t want to forget
3. What to expect during the mammogram (and why extra views happen)
Expect a few extra steps, not a completely different test. With implants, the technologist may take the standard images and then add extra “implant-displaced” views to show more breast tissue. The American Cancer Society explains what to expect when getting a mammogram with implants, including why extra pictures may be needed. That’s why the appointment can take a bit longer than you remember.
Comfort matters, and you can say that out loud. If you’re tense or sore, tell the technologist before positioning starts. Wear a two-piece outfit so you can undress from the waist up without hassle. If you’re told to avoid deodorant or lotions that day, follow the facility’s instructions.
Good to know:
- Extra views are common with implants
- You can ask for a pause or repositioning
- Mild discomfort can happen, but you shouldn’t feel rushed
- Calling ahead usually makes the day smoother
4. Address the worries: pain, rupture anxiety, and real-world limits
It’s normal to worry—use facts and a plan. The most common concerns are pressure discomfort, fear of rupture, and “What if they can’t see anything?” Those worries can spiral if you walk in with no script and no expectations. A little preparation often lowers the stress level.
Reported problems during mammography do exist, but they’re not easy to quantify. The FDA summary of implant issues reported during mammography notes reports like pain, compression-related problems, and delayed detection linked to imaging limits. The practical takeaway is to communicate early, advocate for breaks, and follow up if you notice persistent changes afterwards. Try this comfort plan:
- Book for a time of day you’re usually calmer
- Ask the technologist to talk you through each step
- Use a slow exhale during compression
- Agree on a “pause” signal before you start
- Write down anything that felt different afterwards
5. After the appointment: results, records, and when to follow up
The follow-through is what turns screening into protection. Getting called back is common and doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Sometimes the radiologist just needs an extra angle or a clearer image to read confidently. If you get a callback, ask what test is next and when you should expect results.
Then do the boring (but powerful) part: keep records. A simple “breast health file” makes next year much easier, especially if you move or change providers. Save the facility name, date, and the type of imaging you had, and note anything that affected comfort or positioning. Use this record checklist:
- Imaging centre name and phone number
- Date of the appointment
- Screening vs diagnostic imaging
- Notes about extra views or positioning
- Your next reminder date
6. Build a routine you can actually stick with
Consistency beats perfection when you’re building a routine. Pick a month, one reminder, and one place for notes. Waiting for the “perfect time” makes delays easy. A routine makes the next call feel normal.
Tracking helps you stay calm. Look for patterns, not one-off moments. A simple log—like you might use for monitoring vital signs at home—keeps your notes clear. If a change sticks around, write it down and ask a clinician.
Build a small stress buffer around appointments. how diet, sleep, and stress affect your body is a reminder that sleep and stress shape how you feel. Block extra time, plan transport, and do one calming thing after.
Six-step routine:
- Confirm schedule with clinician
- Book early; mention implants
- Bring prior imaging details
- Speak up about comfort
- File results in one place
- Set next reminder
Conclusion
Breast implants don’t need to derail breast screening; they just change the details of the appointment. Start by matching your schedule to your baseline risk, then make the booking call, and do some of the work for you. Expect a few extra images, and remember you’re allowed to ask for comfort adjustments. The goal is a routine you can repeat with less stress each year.
- Mention implants when you book
- Keep a simple record file
- Follow an age- and risk-based plan with your clinician
- Choose consistency over perfection