Take the following steps towards breast health and wellness

At the 6,100-square-foot Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness, you can receive your annual mammogram and other diagnostic tests in a relaxing spa-like seting. Our caring staff strive to help you feel comfortable throughout your care and ease any anxiety you may have about your mammogram.

• If your last mammogram was not taken at Bristol Hospital or Bristol Radiology Center, bring your prior mammogram images with you to your appointment so that the radiologist can compare them with your new images.  These can be obtained from your previous mammogram facility.

• Schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you haven't gone through menopause, that's usually during the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period.

• Before your mammogram, do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. These products can interfere with the reading of the mammogram.

• If you are under the age of 50, you must have stopped breastfeeding for at least six months before a screening mammogram can be performed