Schedule Summer Screening for Early Detection & Peace of Mind
Summer is here—and so is a calendar full of lake trips, family visits, weddings, and weekends away. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you might be thinking, “I’ll schedule my mammogram after vacation season.”
But here’s the reality: that “after” often never arrives.
The good news? A mammogram is brief—and when you understand exactly what happens during the appointment, it becomes much easier to stop putting it off. Here’s what to know.
What Actually Happens During Your Mammogram
The Timeline: Shorter Than You Think
One of the most common misconceptions about mammograms is that they’re time-consuming. They’re not. The entire appointment typically takes just 15–20 minutes: you check in, change into a gown from the waist up, and move into imaging.
Each image takes only seconds to capture. Most of the time is spent on careful positioning to ensure the highest-quality images.
The bottom line: a mammogram takes less time than most of the other things already on your schedule this week.
Positioning: Why Precision Matters
Your technologist will carefully position your breast on the imaging plate—this precision is essential. The goal is to capture all breast tissue, from the chest wall to the nipple, with the nipple in profile.
Most exams include two views per breast: one from top to bottom and one from the side. Throughout the process, your technologist will guide you step by step so you know exactly what to expect.
About Compression
Compression is necessary—and it works in your favor. It:Compression is necessary—and it works in your favor. It:
- Spreads out breast tissue to prevent overlapping structures
- Reduces motion (which could blur the image)
- Lowers radiation exposure by allowing better penetration of thinner tissue
- Each compression lasts only a few seconds.
- Radiation Exposure: Kept in Perspective
A standard screening mammogram exposes you to approximately 0.4 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation—comparable to a few weeks of natural background radiation we all receive from the environment every day, or a cross-country flight. According to the American College of Radiology, the benefits of mammography screening far outweigh this minimal risk. Regular mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 40% for women age 40 and older.
After Your Mammogram: How Results Are Reviewed
Once your images are taken, they’re reviewed by board-certified breast imaging radiologists who specialize in this work.
Having access to prior images is a significant advantage in breast imaging. When previous exams are available for comparison, radiologists can more easily identify subtle changes over time and provide a more accurate, confident interpretation. At CRL Women’s Imaging, we make this process simple—if you’ve had imaging done elsewhere, our team can help coordinate having your prior images securely sent to us once your appointment is scheduled, so you receive the most thorough and seamless care possible.
Results are shared with you as soon as they are available, sent directly to your provider, and made accessible through your patient portal—giving you clear, timely information about your breast health.
Strict quality standards—including those set by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)—ensure every image meets high diagnostic requirements.
“The mammogram itself is a brief, well-designed exam. What it provides—peace of mind when results are normal, and life-saving information when they’re not—is anything but brief. We encourage women not to let a busy season become a reason to delay something this important to their long-term health.”
–Dr. Jillian Karow, Medical Director, CRL Women’s Imaging
The “I’ll Do It Later” Trap
You’ve likely heard it—or said it yourself. “After summer” becomes “after the holidays,” which becomes “next year.” And suddenly, another year has passed.
Preventive care is one of the easiest things to delay—and one of the most important to prioritize. The irony is that the appointment itself takes less time than many of the obligations we add to our schedules without hesitation.
The Peace-of-Mind Factor
Imagine heading into vacation with one less thing on your mind:
- No lingering concern about a change you’ve noticed
- No quiet reminder that you’re overdue
- No background stress
Just the lake, the family reunion, the wedding weekend—fully present.
That’s what scheduling your mammogram before the season gets away from you gives you: peace of mind.
What If You Need Follow-Up?
This is often the real concern behind the procrastination: “What if they find something and it ruins my summer?”
It’s important to understand what a callback really means. Follow-up imaging after a screening mammogram is common—and it does not mean cancer has been found. The vast majority of callbacks result in normal findings after additional imaging.
However, if something does need attention, knowing sooner gives you more options, more time, and more control. Addressing any findings before the busy fall and holiday months can make a meaningful difference.
Early detection remains one of the most important factors in outcomes. According to the ACR and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), annual screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk provides the greatest mortality reduction and the broadest range of treatment options.
The Summer Checklist (The One That Actually Matters)
Before the season gets away from you:
✓ Pack for the trip
✓ Board the dog
✓ Stop the mail
✓ Adjust the thermostat
___ Schedule your mammogram
It takes one phone call—or just a few clicks—and far less time than you’d expect.
For Those Who Are Overdue: No Shame, No Judgment
If it’s been a while, that’s okay. What matters most is getting back on track now.
Scheduling this summer helps re-establish your routine—and makes next year’s appointment feel easier. There’s something powerful about heading into the second half of the year feeling confident about your health.
Summer is for making memories—not making excuses. Schedule your mammogram now, check it off your list, and move into the season with confidence and peace of mind. Your future self—relaxing at the lake, celebrating at that wedding, or gathering with family—will thank you.
Beat the summer rush. Schedule your mammogram today.
About CRL Women’s Imaging
CRL Women’s Imaging is a leader in outpatient imaging and designated a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Our team of board-certified breast imagers and certified technologists in mammography and ultrasound are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care that women can trust.