Today presenters have on-air mammograms

DRAPED in white hospital gowns, Nine Network presenters Lisa Wilkinson and Georgie Gardner have braved the cameras to have mammograms live on TV.

Wilkinson and Gardner, both part of the Today program, underwent the procedures on-air on Tuesday morning to help raise awareness of breast cancer.

"I've had four x-rays," Wilkinson said after the mammogram. "The first two on the right breast I was sort of surprised didn't hurt as much as I was expecting and the second one on my left was a little bit more painful, but ultimately I feel an incredible relief that I have now done what I've needed to do for more than 12 months now."

Gardner said she felt a little discomfort but is glad it's done. "I am someone who loves to have information, so now that information is out there and it can be assessed."

She added: "Obviously if there is anything sinister we can get on to it."

Dr Merran McKessar of Southern Radiology, who did the procedures, says most women - including herself - put off having a mammogram, even though having the check is vital.

"We know that if we find breast cancers when they're very small the treatment is easy and it makes a big big difference," McKessar told Today. "Don't leave it 'til you've got a lump that is harder for us to manage."

Wilkinson announced last Wednesday she would have her overdue mammogram live on TV - just a day after it was revealed US presenter Amy Robach's on-air mammogram had detected cancer in her breasts.

Robach, 40, was detected with breast cancer a month after she had a mammogram on the air for Good Morning America. She had a double mastectomy late last week.

Great to see @Lisa_Wilkinson & @GeorgieG_ having their mammogram on @thetodayshow Women aged 50-74, call 13 20 50 to book yours today

Thank you to our ambassador @Lisa_Wilkinson for raising awareness of the importance of mammograms http://t.co/sKOufXnmDW @thetodayshow

For more information on mammograms, head to www.cancerscreening.gov.au

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