Inside the Mammogram Experience: Patient, radiologist explain what screening is really like

FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie visited AdventHealth Imaging Center in Altamonte Springs to show what patients can expect during a routine mammogram.Early detection Mammograms can help detect breast cancer before physical symptoms develop, and health experts are encouraging women to prioritize regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.Dr. Samana Zaidi, a breast imaging radiologist with AdventHealth, said mammograms use low-dose X-rays to identify subtle changes in breast tissue, including masses, architectural distortions and calcifications."This delivers a low dose X-ray to the breast while the breast is in compression," Zaidi said. "We’re looking for things like masses, things like architectural distortion or calcifications."Addressing concerns about discomfortFear of pain or discomfort during breast compression can discourage some women from scheduling mammograms. However, Amy Gutierrez, a patient who underwent the procedure, said the compression lasted only a few