Getting your first mammogram

Last updated: 13 October 2026

If you’re feeling nervous before your first breast screening appointment, you’re not alone.

Not only is it a completely new experience, but there are many myths out there about what actually happens at a mammogram.

You might be wondering whether it’s going to hurt, if you’ll need to take off all your clothes, or even what will happen if they find something wrong.

But there’s no need to be afraid of having a mammogram. For most women, it’s just part of routine healthcare. A short appointment every two years can help detect breast cancer early, before you notice any symptoms. To help, we’ve put together some resources from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and BreastScreen Aotearoa, explaining what happens before, during and after a breast screening appointment.

Before your breast screening

BreastScreen Aotearoa provides free mammograms every two years for eligible women aged 45–69. Free breast screening is also being progressively extended to women aged 70–74, with eligibility depending on age and birth date during the phased rollout. If you're eligible and due for screening, you should receive an invitation by email, text or letter. You can book your appointment using the secure personalised link in your invitation or by calling BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200. If you think you're eligible but haven't received an invitation, you can call BreastScreen Aotearoa or complete the online enrolment form. If you need to change your appointment, you can use your personalised link or call BreastScreen Aotearoa. If you need help with translating forms, interpretation or wheelchair access, make sure you let the clinic know when booking, as you may need additional support or a longer appointment.

At the appointment

When you arrive, you may need to fill in a form with your contact information and other details. The radiographer (the person doing the mammogram) will come and collect you from the waiting area.

The female radiographer will take you to a private changing area, where you will need to take off the clothes on the top half of your body only, and put on a gown.

They will then take you to the screening room, where it will be just you and the radiographer. They will walk you through every step of the mammogram and are happy to answer any questions you have about what is happening. Your appointment will usually take around 15–30 minutes. Here's a video of someone getting a mammogram, so you can see what happens.

Once the radiographer has finished the mammogram, you can get dressed and go!

Tips to make things easier at your appointment

• Avoid using deodorant, creams, lotions or powders on your breasts or underarms on the day of your mammogram, as these can affect the X-ray images.
• It’s better to wear a skirt and top rather than a dress, as you’ll need to undress from the waist up. Make sure the top is easy to take off and put on.
• You may prefer not to wear jewellery or taonga, as the radiographer may ask you to take it off if it interferes with the screening equipment.
• If you have a client detail form already, bring it along.
• If you have had previous mammograms elsewhere, let the clinic know so they can arrange to compare your results if needed.
• Don’t forget to bring your glasses if you need them to fill out a form.  

After your appointment, you can feel reassured knowing you've taken an important step to prioritise your health.

Getting your results

Results are usually ready within three weeks. If you haven’t heard anything within 3 weeks, please call BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200.

We know waiting for results can be stressful, but remember that most results are clear.

How The Fono can help

Our Breast Screen coordinators are trained to support you at every step of this journey by: 

• helping schedule your appointment 
• going with you to your appointment for support 
• driving you to and from your appointment if needed 
• helping with interpretation and translation 
• filling out forms and keeping track of appointments 
• supporting you through your results and (if needed) treatment 

If you would like to talk to our Breast Screen Coordinator about your next (or first) mammogram, call Salome on 021 0266 8485 or email breastscreening@thefono.org

Read more about breast screening in our resources