Mammos Next Month: Start Now to Prep for October Breast Screens
Last Reviewed: September 8, 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is also the busiest month of the year for mammograms in Chicago. The result is longer waits, fewer prime-time appointments, and limited access to 3D sites. The easiest way to avoid the bottleneck is to plan in September. Get your order in, choose a 3D tomosynthesis location, and set yourself up for a smooth experience and timely results.
Who should be screened and when
There is a strong consensus that screening saves lives, but different groups set slightly different schedules. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women ages 40 to 74 at average risk. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all individuals at average risk of breast cancer should begin screening for mammography at age 40 with repeated screenings every one or two years based on an informed, shared decision-making process between patients and their clinicians. The American Cancer Society advises that women aged 40 to 44 may choose to begin yearly screening; women aged 45 to 54 should screen every year; and women aged 55 and older can continue annually or switch to screening every other year. Discuss your risk factors with your clinician and determine which schedule best suits you.
If you have dense breasts, screening still starts at 40 for most people at average risk. What changes now is how facilities communicate about density. As of September 10, 2024, all mammography centers must include a standardized breast density notification in your results and report breast density to your clinician. That notification is your cue to ask whether any supplemental imaging is right for you based on your overall risk.
Why 3D mammography is worth requesting
3D mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, takes multiple low-dose images that are reconstructed into thin slices. This technique helps radiologists see through overlapping tissue. Large population studies and professional groups report two consistent benefits when 3D is available. There are fewer unnecessary callbacks for more pictures, and cancer detection improves compared with standard digital mammography alone. If you have a choice, request a site that offers 3D for screening.
Beat the October rush with a simple plan
Imaging centers fill quickly when October arrives. Save yourself stress by acting now. Ask your clinician to place the screening order, pick a 3D site that is convenient to where you live or work, and schedule the first open slot that fits your calendar. If you change your mind later, you can always move the appointment, but you will not be stuck waiting weeks for a time that works.
If you are in Chicago, look for American College of Radiology accredited centers that list digital breast tomosynthesis as an option. Many hospital systems and independent imaging centers offer 3D screening. Booking early means you are more likely to get your preferred location and time.
Midlife screening checklist you can use today
Use this list to prepare, minimize discomfort, and expedite the visit.
Confirm your order. Screening centers require a valid order or prescription from your clinician. Verify this is in the system before you call to schedule.
Choose a 3D site. Ask specifically for digital breast tomosynthesis when you book. If you are switching locations, select an ACR-accredited facility.
Send prior images. If you had mammograms at a different facility, request that those images be transferred to your new site. Comparing with prior studies reduces unnecessary callbacks.
Time it for comfort. If you still menstruate, many people feel better the week after a period when their breasts are less tender.
Skip deodorant and lotions that morning. Products can appear as white spots in the images. Most centers provide wipes and replacement deodorant after your exam.
Dress in a two-piece outfit. You will undress from the waist up. A separate top makes it easier and faster.
Ask about results timing. Know how and when you will receive your report, and who will review it with you. Many centers release results quickly. Plan for follow-up if needed.
What a callback really means
Most screening exams are normal. Some people are called back for additional images or an ultrasound. That experience can be stressful, so it helps to know the numbers. In the United States, about 10 percent of screening mammograms lead to a callback, while fewer than 2 percent of screenings move on to a recommendation for biopsy after the follow-up imaging. Knowing this ahead of time can help reduce anxiety if you receive a message to return for more pictures.
If your result includes a breast density notification, remember that dense tissue is common. The new federal rule standardizes how density is reported to you and to your referring clinician. Density alone does not mean cancer, but it can make screening harder to interpret. That is why your clinician will look at density along with your age, family history, prior biopsies, and other risk factors before deciding whether supplemental imaging is appropriate.
How 3D helps with fewer unnecessary callbacks
One of the practical benefits of 3D mammography is a lower rate of callbacks for more imaging. Studies that compare standard digital mammography with tomosynthesis consistently show fewer recalls and better detection of invasive cancers when 3D is added. If you have dense breasts or have had callbacks in the past, this is a good reason to ask for a 3D site when you schedule.
Comfort tips that actually work
A few small choices make the experience easier:
Schedule when breasts are least tender.
Take a supportive bra for the walk out.
Communicate with your technologist about any prior pain or sensitive areas you may have.
Ask about positioning options if you have limited shoulder range of motion or surgical scars.
If you typically use pain relievers, confirm with your clinician whether acetaminophen or ibuprofen is appropriate for you in advance.
And skip topical creams or powders on the chest that morning, since they can interfere with the images.
Make October easier
If you want to beat the rush for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, start today. Call your clinician for a screening order, request a 3D mammogram when you book, and make sure prior images are available for comparison. If you have questions about risk, dense breasts, or when to start, ask now rather than later. Good planning in September makes October’s screening season calmer and more comfortable for everyone in Chicago searching for mammogram scheduling, 3D mammography, and a practical midlife screening checklist.
Educational content only. Screening decisions are personalized to your history and goals. If you develop new breast symptoms, contact your clinician promptly.
