I Just Had My First Mammogram—and Here’s Why You Should Too
This is 40. 🎉
We’ve arrived, friends. The big 4-0. Milestone birthdays bring all kinds of reflection—on our friendships, our families, the trips we’ve takend, and yes...our health.
This year, I did something I’ve been dreading—but also knew I needed to do. I got my very first mammogram. And I’m here to tell you: if you’re turning 40 or are already there, it’s time. Book the appointment.
I know, I know. No one wants to get a mammogram. It sounds awkward. Uncomfortable. Maybe even a little scary. I had all of those feelings, too. But you know what else I had? A big dose of perspective. Because when I thought about the people I love—my kids, my husband, my girlfriends—I realized that taking care of myself needs to be a priority.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be successful.” And here’s the part that really struck me: A mammogram can often detect changes years before any physical symptoms appear. Years. That means if something is developing, you could potentially catch it early enough to avoid harsh treatments or major surgery—and in many cases, even be cured.
So What’s It Like?
When you arrive, you’ll check in and be taken to a private space by a technician—someone who is trained specifically in breast imaging. She’ll explain the process, answer any questions, and guide you every step of the way.
You’ll undress from the waist up and step up to the machine. And yes—your breast will be placed on a flat surface while another plate presses down from above to get a clear image. Is it comfortable? Not really. Is it unbearable? Not at all. The compression lasts for just a few seconds and is absolutely necessary to get a proper picture of your breast tissue.
They usually take two images per breast—one from the top and one from the side. And if it’s your first mammogram, don’t be surprised if you get called back for more images. That happened to me. It’s not necessarily a bad thing—they often just want a clearer look or a different angle, especially since they don’t have any past images to compare yet.
What Happens After?
Your results usually come back within a few days, and if something does show up, it doesn’t always mean cancer. There are lots of benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions that might look suspicious on an image, especially in dense breast tissue. But again—this is why early and consistent screening is so important.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. There are tons of helpful resources out there, like this one from Susan G. Komen that walks you through what to expect and how to prepare.
And here’s another tool you should be using: self-exams. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends doing one once a month. Get familiar with your body. Know what’s normal for you. That way, if anything ever changes, you’ll notice it early.
Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest—getting my first mammogram wasn’t exactly how I imagined celebrating turning 40. But you know what? It felt empowering. Like I was putting myself on the list again. And we all know as women, as moms, as friends—we rarely do that enough.
So here’s your gentle nudge: make the appointment. Do it for your health. Do it for your people. Do it because turning 40 is not just a milestone—it’s a reminder that we’re still here, still strong, and still worth taking care of.
