A mammogram is a medical test that utilizes low-level X-rays to capture images of breasts. Many ladies undergo mammograms as part of their routine healthcare to screen for breast cancer.

As per medical professionals, mammography is the most effective way to identify breast cancer early, but there are some crucial things to keep in mind before the procedure, including avoiding body creams and deodorants.

Why you should avoid body creams?

It is important to avoid body creams before mammography to prevent future breast cancer diagnosis confusion. Body creams or lotions can contain metallic particles and create artifacts in the mammography image.

Artifacts are false images that make it impossible for the radiologists to get clear images of the breasts. The metallic particles in body lotion can reflect light back to the mammogram machine, thereby producing a bright spot on the image, which can lead to misinterpretation of the mammogram.

If the mammogram is unclear or unreadable, examinees will need to repeat the mammogram, leading to further radiation exposure and additional cost.

Why you should avoid deodorants?

Do not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, talcum powder, or any other cosmetic products before mammography. Many of these products contain aluminum and other metallic compounds, which can interfere with the quality of the mammogram image.

Some of these metals may even mimic calcifications, which can make it difficult for the radiologist to detect cancer calcifications – the calcifications can either appear different in images than they are or not appear at all. The particles of aluminum and other metals in deodorants and antiperspirants might coat the skin on the underarm region. They can obstruct the mammogram machine from providing a clear image of the breast tissue.

Thus, it’s essential to avoid these products on the day of the mammogram.

When to avoid body creams and deodorants

To get a clear mammogram image, it’s advisable to avoid applying any cosmetic product such as body cream, deodorant, antiperspirants, talcum powder, or any other product that can leave residue or particles on the skin, particularly on breasts and surrounding areas. These should be avoided from at least two days before the mammogram procedure, and it is preferable to avoid them during the whole mammogram test cycle.

What to wear on the day of the test?

During a mammogram, you’ll be asked to disrobe from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.

Considering this, it’s best to wear a two-piece outfit to the exam, making it simpler to undress for the mammogram while leaving your lower body clothed. The hospital gown has two ties that fasten at the back, and it can be opened at the front to permit unobstructed X-ray access to your breasts. Avoid wearing any jewelry, as it can get in the way and interfere with your mammography examination.

Conclusion

Mammography is a critical screening tool for breast cancer. Getting regular mammograms boosts the chances of catching breast cancer early, which is linked with higher survival rates.

However, to ensure the mammogram is accurate and clear, it’s important that patients avoid using body creams, deodorants, antiperspirants, talcum powder, or any other product that can leave residue or particles on their skin from a few days before the procedure to the duration of the test cycle. By doing so, patients can help radiologists to catch and address any health problems as soon as possible.