Mammography
Mammograms help detect breast changes, including breast cancer, often before you can feel them. At NKC Health, our team uses several mammography methods because we know that every woman is different. No matter what you need, our experts will ensure you have the latest technology and provide clear information about your breast health.
Baseline mammograms
Your first mammogram is called a baseline mammogram. It gives your provider a starting point to compare with future mammograms and look for any changes in your breast tissue. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommends starting annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier.
After your first mammogram, you should continue getting screening mammograms every year.
Benefits of annual mammograms
Annual mammograms help you and your healthcare provider find breast changes that may need further testing. They can detect lumps that are too small to feel during a monthly breast self-exam.
NKC Health primarily uses 3D mammography, which allows radiologists to examine breast tissue layer by layer for a more detailed view. In some cases, your radiologist might recommend contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for additional information.
Benefits of 3D mammography include:
- More detailed images – 3D mammography can help reduce false-positive results and unnecessary follow-up tests or biopsies.
- Earlier detection of smaller cancers – Finding breast cancer early can give you more treatment options and improve the chances of successful treatment.
- Same-day results – In most cases, you’ll receive your results the same day as your appointment.
- More cancers detected – 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers than traditional 2D mammography.
Contrast-enhanced mammography
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) combines a traditional mammogram with an injection of contrast dye similar to the type used for a CT exam. The contrast helps highlight areas with increased blood flow in the breast, which may need further evaluation. The exam takes less than 10 minutes and is performed in a mammography suite by a specially trained specialist.
Contrast dye can affect kidney function for some patients, If you're over 60, have diabetes or certain other health conditions, including hypertension, we may check your kidney function before scheduling your exam.
Mammogram frequently asked questions
The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend an annual breast cancer screening, starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your provider may recommend starting screening earlier. Talk with your provider about the right screening schedule for you.
A little preparation can help make your appointment more comfortable.
- Choose your appointment time: Your breasts may be more tender before and during your period. If possible, schedule your mammogram for a week or two after your period starts.
- Skip certain products: Don’t apply deodorant, perfume, powder or lotion to your breasts or underarms on the day of your exam. These products can show up on the images and make them harder to interpret.
- Share any concerns: Tell your care team about any breast symptoms or changes before your exam.
A mammogram usually takes about 30 minutes. At your appointment, you’ll undress from the waist up and put on a gown. A technologist will place one breast at a time on an X-ray plate. A paddle will compress the breast spread out the tissue and help create clear images. You may feel pressure or discomfort, but the compression shouldn’t be painful. Your technologist will take images from several angles, so you’ll change positions a few times during your exam.
Before you leave, ask when you can expect your results. Usually, you’ll have access to them within 24 hours or less in our patient portal. A radiologist will review your images and send your results to your primary care doctor.
Mammograms have some limitations and risks, but the benefits of screening outweigh the risks. Mammograms:
- May show a false-positive result, meaning something looks abnormal when it isn’t cancer
- May show a false-negative result, meaning cancer is present but isn’t detected
- May be harder to interpret in women under 40
- Can’t detect every breast cancer
- Expose you to a low-dose of radiation
If your mammogram shows an area of concern, you may need additional imaging or other tests. An abnormal result doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
A screening mammogram is a routine exam for people who don’t have breast symptoms. It helps look for breast cancer. A diagnostic mammogram takes a closer look at a specific area when a screening mammogram shows a change or when you have a breast symptom that needs evaluation. Needing a diagnostic mammogram does not mean you have breast cancer or another breast condition. It simply helps your team learn more about what they see.