When it comes to women's health, mammograms, like breast exams, play a key role in early breast cancer detection. Often, a mammogram detects cancer, non-cancerous or benign tumors, and cysts before they are felt. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that average-risk women begin receiving screening mammograms at age 40. If you have any breast cancer symptoms such as breast lumps, breast cysts, breast pain, dense breast, or Gynecomastia, your ARC doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) may recommend mammography or other diagnostic imagery.
Mammograms at ARC
- 2D and 3D mammography screenings are conducted in a comfortable imaging suite with a private changing area and waiting room.
- All ARC mammography locations are accredited by the American College of Radiology.
- Medicare and all other plans are accepted for 3D exams.
- Medicaid insurance accepts 2D imaging only.
- Patients with breast implants can be screened.
- FDA inspects and certifies ARC mammography facilities. FDA certification means the clinic's equipment and staff meet federal standards. Your mammogram is safe and of the highest quality.
Preparing for a mammogram screening at ARC
Please review the following instructions in preparation for your mammogram screening:
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment check-in time and complete required paperwork.
- Do not wear any deodorant or perfume.
- If breastfeeding, please pump or feed your baby an hour prior to the exam.
- If possible, wear an outfit that can be removed from the waist up so that the bottom half of your outfit can remain on during the exam.
- According to State Health Regulations, no one may be admitted into the radiation area, which includes the dressing room. If you bring children, please make arrangements to have them supervised.
What is 3D digital mammography?
3D mammography breast imagery captures multiple views at different angles, providing doctors with exceptionally sharp 3D views of your breast.
A National Cancer Institute study concluded that 3D digital mammography is more accurate than standard 2D film at helping diagnose cancer in women under age 50 and those with dense (not fatty) breast tissue. Digital mammography also uses less radiation than traditional 2D film mammography, reducing a woman’s lifetime exposure to radiation associated with x-rays.
Additional benefits include:
- Aids in the early detection of breast cancer.
- Faster cancer screening.
- Reduces the need for additional imaging.
- Pinpoints the size and shape of abnormalities with more precision.
- Can detect multiple breast tumors.
- Easily stored and transferred electronically.
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
Breast cancer affects all sexes and is the second most common cancer in women in the US. It is also a leading cause of death from cancer. Men have a very small amount of breast tissue right under the nipple.
You may be more likely to get breast cancer if you:
- Are over the age of 50.
- Have had breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases.
- Have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer (especially mother, sister, or daughter, but also from other relatives on either your father’s or mother’s side).
- Inherited certain genes - more common in people with Eastern European Jewish ancestors.
- Had your first menstrual period before age 12.
- Stopped having periods after you were 50.
- Never had children or had your first child when you were over 30.
- Have had radiation treatments to your chest area.
- More information about breast cancer
Breast cancer screening guidelines
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises the following:
- Discuss screening mammography beginning at age 40 with your doctor or APC. If you don’t start at 40, you should begin screening at age 50.
- Screening should occur every 1 or 2 years, depending on what you and your doctor or APC decide.
- After age 75, you should discuss continued screening with your doctor or APC.