If you’ve had a mammogram recently, you were likely reminded not to wear deodorant or antiperspirant before or during the procedure. Why shouldn’t you wear deodorant to a mammogram?

The short answer is that these products can cause abnormal results on your mammogram, which might lead to a callback for further testing.

Most of the time, getting called back for an abnormal mammogram is nothing to worry about, but it can cause unnecessary stress and time away from work or family. That’s why following these simple instructions will save you a lot of frustration and stress down the road. And if you’re worried about going without deodorant all day, stash it in your bag and apply it after the mammogram is complete.

In the meantime, here are some specifics on how deodorant and antiperspirant can interfere with your mammogram. We’ll also share what else to avoid, what happens if you arrive at the imaging center wearing deodorant, and tips to prepare for your mammogram.

How Deodorant Can Interfere With Mammogram Images

It’s important to follow the basic guidelines of skipping deodorant and antiperspirant before your imaging. For radiologists to identify breast abnormalities like cysts or tumors, you want to ensure you have the best, most accurate imaging possible when you get your mammogram. But if you wear antiperspirant before your screening, you could end up with inaccurate or abnormal results.

At issue are the aluminum- and zinc-based compounds found in antiperspirants, which can appear as tiny white spots on a mammogram. These white spots can make it challenging for a radiologist to distinguish between aluminum and calcifications, which are small calcium deposits in breast tissue that sometimes indicate early breast cancer.

Calcifications can also be a sign of infection, aging, cysts, or benign (noncancerous) growths. Radiologists take these bright spots on your images seriously, regardless of their makeup, and you don’t want your deodorant to cause unnecessary follow-up appointments or concerns.

What About Natural Deodorants?

You’ve likely heard about natural deodorants, or maybe you already use one. These products don’t contain metals like aluminum. Instead, they use charcoal, baking soda, and other ingredients to control sweat and odor.

But healthcare providers say you should also avoid these products before and during your mammogram. A number of other ingredients aside from aluminum can interfere with breast cancer screenings and result in poor or inaccurate imaging.

Can Aluminum-Based Antiperspirants Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

To date, there’s no evidence that the aluminum found in antiperspirants increases your risk of breast cancer. In fact, researchers in one older review found that despite concerns, aluminum-based antiperspirants and cosmetics don’t cause breast cancer.

That said, some people still worry that aluminum may disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones like estrogen. The concern is that it could behave like estrogen and promote the growth of breast cancer cells. However, only a small amount of aluminum is absorbed through your skin, so the risk would be very small.

What Else Should You Avoid Before a Mammogram?

The goal with any mammogram is to get the best possible images of your breast tissue. Along with antiperspirants and deodorants, you should also avoid applying lotions, powders, creams, perfumes, and other cosmetics on or near your breast on the day of your mammogram. Even body glow products may contain tiny, metallic particles.

These particles, along with residue left behind from lotions, can interfere with the imaging process and cause an abnormal mammogram result. They can also make your breast slippery during compression, cause the image to look blurry, and make it more challenging to get an accurate picture of the tissue.

Also, these substances can leave a film or smear on the machine, making it more difficult to clean after your mammogram is complete.

What Happens if You Forget To Skip Deodorant?

If you forget and apply antiperspirant or deodorant before leaving the house for your mammogram, don’t cancel your appointment. Instead, you can wash the substances off with soap and water and be on your way.

Or, if you arrive at the imaging center and realize your mistake, let the technologist know. They’ll likely have wipes or soap you can use to clean your underarms and breast skin. Just be sure to inform them before your mammogram begins so you don’t risk getting inaccurate images.

Tips for Preparing for Your Mammogram

When scheduling your mammogram, choose a facility that specializes in breast imaging, and use the same imaging center each year. This way, they have a record of your previous mammograms and can more easily identify if something has changed — especially if you have dense breast tissue or a tendency to develop cysts.

If you’ve moved or your insurance requires you to go to a different facility, ask that your records be sent to the new one.

If you already have a mammogram scheduled, good for you. These simple tests can reduce your risk of dying from breast cancer.

In fact, researchers have found that women ages 50 to 59 who get mammograms have a 14 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer than those who don’t get mammograms. And for women ages 60 to 69, the risk is 33 percent lower.

Here’s how to prepare for your upcoming mammogram to ensure you get the most accurate results:

• Spend extra time that morning cleaning your body — Make sure the previous day’s lotions and deodorants are removed from your skin and that no particles are left behind.
• Wear something easy to remove — Choose a two-piece outfit if possible so you only have to take off your top and bra.
• Avoid wearing body products — Hold off on applying deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, perfume, and other cosmetics under your arms and on or under your breasts.
• Bring deodorant with you — Apply it once your mammogram is complete if you’d like.
• Let the technologist know if you have any new symptoms — Communicate any lumps, discolored spots, pain, or nipple discharge.
• Relax and follow the technologist’s instructions during the mammogram — Try not to be nervous. Only 2 to 4 in 1,000 screening mammograms lead to a breast cancer diagnosis.

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If you’ve accidentally worn antiperspirant to a mammogram, how did the imaging center handle the mistake? Let others know in the comments below.