Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be successful. A mammogram can find breast cancer years before physical symptoms develop.

Results from many decades of research clearly show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer detected early when it’s most treatable and less likely to require aggressive treatment such as surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy) and chemotherapy.

A referral is not required for a screening mammogram.  

If your screening mammogram is inconclusive, a diagnostic mammogram will be ordered to assist in the diagnostic process. If you are experiencing any breast abnormalities such as nipple pain, discharge, or feel a lump, or if you have had breast cancer in the past, your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram. Unlike with screening mammograms, a radiologist will be on hand to immediately interpret the mammogram results. The radiologist may order additional imaging or a biopsy to confirm findings.

We want you to know it’s safe for you to get your mammogram – not only it is safe, early detection is critical to your health.

An annual screening mammogram is recommended for women beginning at the age of 40, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). The American Cancer Society also recommends that women have the choice to begin mammography screening at age 40. 

Mammograms are a type of X-ray exam that expose the breasts to small amounts of radiation. Experts agree that the benefit of finding a potential cancer early outweigh any possible harm from the radiation exposure. 

Radiation is something that naturally occurs in our environment.  The dose of radiation used for a screening mammogram of both breasts is about the same amount of radiation a woman would get from her natural surroundings over about seven weeks.

Don’t delay, get your mammogram today.