Our Approach to Mammography
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts, and it used to find and diagnose breast disease. You may have a screening mammogram as part of an annual health check if you do not have any symptoms of breast disease. A diagnostic mammogram may be done to evaluate changes in breast health or symptoms of breast disease.
For patient convenience and timely review of results, both screening and diagnostic mammograms at CAMC need to be scheduled.
Once your mammogram is completed by our registered radiologic technologists, it will be ready by a radiologist, and you will be notified of the results.
If the radiologist determines that you need further evaluation, you will be contacted for follow up, which may be a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound, or a breast biopsy.
If you need additional testing or services, CAMC can coordinate all of your care quickly and efficiently.
When Do I Need a Mammogram?
Not only do we provide dependable and accessible breast care, but we also offer tips and education to patients regarding early breast cancer detection.
According to the American Cancer Society:
- Women in their 20s should begin breast self-exams.
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional every three years.
- Women who have a family history of breast cancer or are at high risk for developing breast cancer should get an MRI and a mammogram every year beginning at age 30.
- Women ages 40 - 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so.
- Women ages 45 - 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women ages 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or have the choice to continue yearly screening.
Types of Mammography
A digital mammogram is the standard in mammography. It allows for the images of the breasts to be adjusted for clarity and visibility.
3D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis)
A 3D mammogram may be indicated for some women, and gives a three-dimensional view of breast tissue. The more detailed imaging can be especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue, breast implants and those with family history of or increased risk for breast cancer. It can detect breast abnormalities sooner, with a higher degree of accuracy. 3D mammography is available only at the CAMC Breast Center. The Breast Center continues to rely on and endorse the use of traditional 2-D mammograms, monthly self-exams and annual exams by our experienced physicians, but 3-D mammography is now one more tool that we have in the fight against breast cancer that can allow for:
- Improved detection
- Fewer callbacks and false alarms
- Better visualization
Almost all patients who need screening or diagnostic breast imaging can have a 3D mammogram. Insurance coverage may vary, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before scheduling.
Other Breast Health Services
If you need follow up testing, CAMC provides the following services at the Breast Center and other locations as applicable:
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast MRI
- Breast Cancer Treatment
- A Patient Navigator, to support patients in understanding their disease and treatment plan and overcoming barriers to care.
CAMC Mammography Providers
Our board-certified radiologists, registered radiologic technologists and professional staff are committed to the best possible breast care for our patients.