Getting a mammogram is a bit nervewracking and I found it to be a bit painful. You'll be asked to take off your top and blouse and be given one of those hospital tops that tie in the back to wear in the waiting room.

When you get into the room where they do the test, you'll have to remove the gown - try not to be shy or embarrassed - the radiographers see litterally hundreds of breasts.

You'll have to lie your breast on a plate and the radiographer will put another plate on top of it. This is where it gets uncomfortable - they'll squish your breast as flat as possible. I'd suggest maybe taking a minor pain killer beforehand. But it's really not that bad, and it's fast.

Then they'll do the other breast and you're done.

Not sure how old you are, but if you have no history of breast cancer in your family every other year should be fine, as long as you're also getting an annual physical that includes a breast exam.

It's an important part of taking care of your health so good luck with it, and you can be proud of having done it, once it's over.

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