Mammography

At Providence, our goal is to provide safe and accurate mammograms to help detect breast cancer in its earliest, most curable stage. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. One in eight will develop the disease, and 85% of those who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer.

The American College of Radiology and Society for Breast Imaging, recommend annual screening mammography starting at age 40. Providence encourages every woman to talk to her primary care doctor about when to start breast cancer screening through regular mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, discuss whether you need to start earlier, before age 40.

Mammograms are one of the most important tools for prevention and early detection – the best defense against breast cancer.

Our Comprehensive Services

Screening Mammography Diagnostic Mammography 3D Mammography Annual breast screenings

Screening Mammography

For women who aren’t having any breast cancer symptoms, we offer a screening mammogram to help detect abnormalities within your breasts or the early presence of breast cancer.

A screening mammogram is appropriate for most women, including women who have a history of lumpy or fibrocystic breasts, breast tenderness, strong family history of breast cancer, previous benign biopsy and a milky or greenish nipple discharge. It’s best to report any unusual symptoms when you schedule your appointment.

Screening mammograms use low-energy X-rays to take at least four images – two pictures of each breast, one from the top-to-bottom and one from the side.

If abnormalities are detected, we may recommend a diagnostic mammogram to further evaluate the abnormality.

Diagnostic Mammography

Diagnostic mammograms reveal more information about a specific area of concern than screening mammograms. If your doctor suspects that a detected abnormality could be malignant, the area of concern can be imaged with additional spot compression mammograms, ultrasound and/or MRI to ensure accurate results.

Women who have symptoms such as a dominant lump, mass, lesion, or clear or bloody nipple discharge should be scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram. Women who had breast cancer, a recent biopsy or a recent mammographic abnormality may also need this type of exam.

A diagnostic mammogram consists of at least four images – two pictures of each breast, one from the top-to-bottom and one from the side. Special consideration is taken with the area of concern which is usually marked.

A signed order from a health care provider is needed to schedule a diagnostic mammogram.

3D Mammography

Some Providence locations utilize 3D mammography, the most exciting advancement in breast cancer detection in more than 30 years. The doctor can look through the tissue one millimeter at a time, seeing detail inside the breast that’s never been possible before and detecting small abnormalities that could be hidden by normal breast tissue.

A 3D mammogram, also known as digital tomosynthesis, consists of multiple breast images which are combined to create a clearer, three-dimensional view of the breast. This means shorter examination times, quicker results, more convenience, less anxiety and less radiation exposure for you.

Studies have found that 3D mammograms detect 41% more invasive breast cancers, reduce false positives by up to 40% and are more effective in women ages 65 and older. They also may be more beneficial than 2D mammograms for women with dense breast tissue.

3D mammography isn’t available at all Providence locations.

Annual breast screenings

Regular screening can help detect breast cancer before you even notice any symptoms.

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your breasts that could be signs of breast cancer. Understanding what is normal for your breasts, and what isn’t, can be lifesaving.

Mammograms are recommended annually for women ages 40 to 54.
Women ages 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years or continue yearly screening.
You may choose to have a screening earlier and/or more often if you feel the benefit outweighs any potential concerns. We encourage you to discuss this with your health care provider.
Some women are at an increased risk for breast cancer. Family history of breast cancer, certain BRCA gene mutations, previous radiation therapy to the chest and certain syndromes have all been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer.
In these cases, screening recommendations typically begin at an earlier age. Your health care provider can help identify if you have an increased risk.

Importance of Getting Regular Mammograms

Providence encourages every woman to talk to her doctor, beginning at age 40, about when to start breast cancer screening through regular mammograms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before scheduling a mammogram, please speak with your doctor about any recent problems or abnormalities concerning your breasts.
If you've had previous mammograms, make them available to the radiologist. It's helpful for the radiologist to compare previous images with the new ones.
Don't schedule your mammogram the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week after your period.
Always inform your doctor or radiology technologist if there is a possibility that you’re pregnant.
Don't wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms on the day of your mammogram. These can appear as calcium spots on X-rays.

Before the examination, you'll be given a hospital gown or a loose-fitting drape that opens in the front. You'll be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist.

A radiologic technologist will position you at the mammography unit to image each breast. The breast will be placed on a firm, flat X-ray surface and compressed with firm, gentle pressure from the mammography device. The compression causes discomfort for some women, but most find it to be painless.

Breast compression is necessary to:

Allow the use of a lower X-ray dose
Create a sharper picture
Hold the breast still, eliminating blurring of the image
Spread out the breast thickness so that all tissue can be visualized
Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured

While the breast is compressed, the technologist will take an X-ray, helping you change positions slightly between images. Generally, mammograms include a top-to-bottom view and a side view of the breast tissue. The process is repeated for each breast.

The examination process for a mammogram generally takes about 20 minutes.

When the exam is complete, you'll be asked to wait until the technologist evaluates the images to determine if more images are needed. If an image is unclear or if a finding seems suspicious, the radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies.

If you were referred by another doctor or primary care provider, we’re happy to send a copy of your mammogram to them.

In the very earliest stages, breast cancer has no outward symptoms. Sometimes the earliest sign is a tiny lump, or mass, that’s only detectable on a mammogram. As the disease progresses, however, more noticeable changes might appear. These can vary widely – while a lump is the most common symptom, it’s by no means the only one.

Any of the following changes could be a warning sign of breast cancer:

Bloody nipple discharge or unilateral discharge other than breast milk
Dimpling, puckering, irritation or scaliness of the breast skin or nipple
Lump in the breast or armpit area
Nipple that turns inward, flattens out, pulls to one side or changes direction
Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple
Swelling in all or part of the breast
Thickening or redness of the breast skin

These symptoms may be signs of breast cancer in men as well as women.

If you notice a potential symptom of breast cancer, or if you’re concerned about any changes in the way one of your breasts looks or feels, please call your primary care provider or a breast care specialist.

While these symptoms don’t always indicate cancer – sometimes they are signs of something less serious, such as a cyst or an infection – it’s important to have a physician evaluate them right away. Don’t wait to see if they go away on their own.

It bears repeating, treating breast cancer successfully is much easier when it’s caught and treated early.