Your breast health is a vital part of your overall well-being, and staying on top of routine screenings is one of the best ways you can be proactive about your own health. At Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), we use advanced 3D mammography to provide your care team with the clearest view of your breast tissue when screening for breast cancer.
ARC's trained and certified technicians and care teams answer frequently asked questions below to provide you with greater peace of mind.
"Our techs are very competent in doing their best job," says ARC Radiology Services Manager. "We do our very best to make sure our patients feel comfortable and put them at ease."
When should I schedule a mammogram?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the following when it comes to routine mammograms:
- Age 40: Start the conversation with your ARC doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) to begin mammography screening every one to two years.
- Age 40-74: Depending on your personal health history and what you and your clinician decide together, you should schedule a screening mammogram every one or two years.
- Age 75 and beyond: Once you reach age 75, you should talk to your ARC clinician to decide whether continuing routine screenings is still the right choice for you.
What if I don't have a family history of breast cancer or any symptoms present?
Around one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime according to the American Cancer Society. About 85% of these cases occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer, making it important to get screened no matter your family history.
Fortunately, breast cancer is highly treatable and requires less aggressive treatment options when caught early. Routine mammograms can spot abnormal tissue or tiny tumors up to three years before they can be felt during a physical exam, according to the CDC.
What is a 3D mammogram?
3D mammography is the latest FDA-approved screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection. Using technology similar to an MRI, it captures multiple image layers that give your care team a much clearer, sharper view of the breasts.
Clinicians can see behind breast tissue and catch cancers much sooner than with the previous 2D digital technology.
What are the benefits of 3D mammograms?
Research shows that 3D mammography detects over 40% more cancers than traditional 2D mammography. Additionally, 3D mammography is more accurate at helping diagnose cancer in women under age 50 and those with dense (not fatty) breast tissue.
Major benefits include:
- Better view of dense breast tissue.
- Fewer unnecessary callbacks.
- Reduces the need for repeat exams.
- Pinpoints the size and shape of abnormalities with more precision.
- Increases the chance of detecting multiple breast tumors.
- Results can be easily stored and transferred electronically.
Will my insurance cover a routine mammogram?
Most major insurance companies and Medicare will fully cover a routine, annual screening mammogram as a preventative service. Contact your insurance provider to verify the specifics of your coverage plan.
What should you know before scheduling a mammogram?
ARC conducts screening mammograms for asymptomatic patients. If you are experiencing symptoms, such as pain, a lump, discharge, or skin changes in your breast, you should discuss with your ARC clinician, because additional testing such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound may need to be ordered. A screening mammogram is intended only for someone without symptoms.
Mammograms are available at four conveniently located ARC locations, including ARC Far West and ARC South 1st in Austin, ARC Center Street in Kyle, and ARC Cedar Park Building C. At ARC Far West, patients can book appointments during early hours, late evenings, and Saturdays.
Ready to take charge of your health? Visit the ARC MyChart patient portal or ARCmammograms.com to schedule your appointment online today.