Screening Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the method used to find breast cancer that can't be felt. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. A mammogram can show a developing breast tumor before it is large enough to be felt by a woman or even a highly skilled health care professional.

A screening mammogram is used to detect cancer early in women who have no symptoms and are due for a simple yearly evaluation — this includes women with breast implants. It involves two views of each breast on healthy women, taken with low-dose x-rays. Each breast is compressed for a few seconds to provide the clearest image possible. Most women experience little or no discomfort, but if breasts are tender in the week before menstrual periods, mammograms should be scheduled in the week after the period.

At the Caldwell Breast Center, the exam is performed on a digital mammography unit. This state-of-the-art technology is quicker and more effective in diagnosing traces of cancer in pre-menopausal women.

• The exam will require a written order from your physician.
• Your doctor will receive the results within 24-48 hours.
• You will receive written notification of your results within 30 days.

Screening Recommendations
A mammogram is the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. Cancer specialists, including the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, recommend that women have a baseline screening mammogram at age 40, with mammograms annually after age 40.
A doctor’s order is required.