About The Center

Diagnostic Testing

Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray of your breasts. It helps find breast cancer and other breast problems.
Mammography can show:

• lumps that may be cancer (most are not!)
• breast changes that could lead to cancer
• breast lumps before you or your health-care provider can feel them

When Should I Have a Mammogram?

All women should have a mammogram:

• once by age 40.
• every 1-2 years between ages 40 and 49.
• every year after age 50.

How Do I Get Ready for a Mammogram?

Try to pick a day of the month when your breasts are not tender.
Follow these special instructions:

• You must have a prescription from your referring physician.
• If your prior films were not taken at this facility, make sure you have them the day of the exam.
• Do not wear deodorant or powder. This can show up on your films.
• Screening mammograms are read approximately 1-2 weeks after your exam. Diagnostic mammograms are read while you wait.

What Is Involved?

The test is simple and quick:

1. You will undress above the waist. The technologist will give you a gown and take your prior history. Then you will be positioned at the mammography machine.
2. Your breast will be compressed between 2 plastic plates. You may feel a little discomfort for a few seconds.
3. X-rays will be taken. One will be taken from the top. Then one will be taken from the side. Your other breast will be X-rayed the same way.

Results are usually ready in a week to 10 days.