Wore antiperspirant for mammogram by mistake

[Sueloo]

i had the 3 yearly screening mammogram a few days ago. I had received a letter inviting me to go for mammogram and when I rang to arrange the appointment the clerk said they had a space next day so I decided to take it. The clerk said my appointment letter wouldn’t come in time but I could still have the appointment.
I then went for mammogram next day.
But I’ve just found out that you shouldn’t wear antiperspirant for a mammogram. But as I didn’t know and I had used it.
It wasn’t mentioned at the appointment.
However I’m now really worried about it. I always get really anxious anyway but now panicking that it could have affected the mammogram pictures.
Has anyone else made this mistake and if so what happened?
Thanks x

I’ve had 3 mammograms and never been told to not wear deodorant.

I have to have an annual mammogram due to a family history of breast cancer - I think I’m on my ninth next - and I have always worn deodorant. I mean mostly I’ve come straight from work or etc.

Why has this never been mentioned before?

I've just had mine (Scotland) and it advised not to wear spray deodorants.

It's always come with my letter, it's because the spray can affect the results. Talc affects it too.

The instructions about deodorant and anti perspirant use should be in the appointment letter.
It depends on the ingredients of your deodorant as to whether it will affect anything. If it contains aluminium compounds or talcum (mineral compound) then it may mimic the early signs of cancer on a mammogram. This is because these substances are metallic and metals show up on xrays.
Sprays are more likely to contain these compounds which is why sometimes a place may say that roll ons are fine. Its more likely that these are in anti perspirant than in deodorants, because the aluminium compounds stop you sweating, hence "anti perspirant".
It may cause a false recall, in that you would get called for further investigation because the compounds are showing up on the mammograms and looking very like the early signs of cancer.
Radiographers won't ask whether you're wearing it, we assume you have read the instructions. We sometimes spot the telltale white patches under the arms, and then give you wipes to remove it, however.

Well not one of my appointment letters mentions deodorant - I’ve had one every year since 2015.

I use roll on - does that make it all okay?

I've just dug out the letter and paperwork that came with my invitation to have a mammogram earlier this year. There's nothing regarding wearing deodorant. I wasn't asked when I arrived if I was wearing it or not.

Apologies, the information is in the leaflet that comes with your screening invitation - the one that's called 'helping you decide'.

I've had mammograms for ten years and never heard this!

I've been having mammograms regularly since my early 50s, and it's never once been mentioned.

It is really surprising to see how many women have not been aware of this. I have been having mammograms for 30 years, since age 35, and it has been in the leaflet or on the actual appt letter.

This really needs addressing by the department, women should not be finding out on a thread from MN.

I have also had a number of mammograms (across two different hospitals) because of family history and deodorant has never been mentioned.

I did a search to find out why not wearing deodorant is so important, and it came up with this

I had my last mammogram on Thursday, so went back to my appointment letter to double check, and there is nothing in that letter about wearing deodorant at all.

Which is a bit worrying ...

Did you get a leaflet with your letter?@BIWI

I now have mine under NZ but I used to get a leaflet with UK appointments.

In NZ it is on leaflet and also on a poster where you get changed, together with wet wipes to wipe any deo off.

@FiveShelties Nope. All I got (get, every year) is a letter to tell me that I need to make an appointment.

... and I have mine at a big, respected, teaching hospital/university.

@BIWI you are right it is worrying and slightly ridiculous that it just seems to be luck as to whether you are informed or not.

@BIWI its probably something that used to cause an issue and doesn’t now, hence the more advanced teaching hospitals don’t mention it but the back of beyond ones do. I found the experience at UCLH very different (and better) than my local one.

also, it’s hardly causing a massive problem. It sounds like it can cause a false positive but no-one has had one. If it were a big issue they would enforce it but they clearly don’t

That’s a bit harsh, the OP is clearly worried, no need to make her feel even more shit.

I’m in Australia and always been told no deodorant, and been asked at the appointment if I’m wearing any.

I’d give them a call OP just to put your mind at ease, and find out if it really is a problem. I’m sure they would’ve double checked with you if it was.

I have mammograms every 6 months and have done for about 6 years. It always says on the letter inviting me along that I shouldn't wear deodorant. I thought this was standard.

However if they don't tell you then you can't know.

Never been told not to wear deodorant but I was told to take my glasses off for one. 🤷‍♀️

I've had two and no one told me not to use antiperspirant. I did and it was fine.

I've always worn deodorant and have never been told not to. I've had 7 or 8 mammograms.

I've had 5 or 6 and have never been told this or had it in any of the appointment letters that have been issued to me.