Breast health

During a digital mammogram, the breasts are compressed while X-rays are taken. The X-ray images are displayed on a high-resolution monitor that enhances and magnifies the images. This allows for optimal evaluation and interpretation by our radiologists.

How to prepare for your mammogram

On the day of your mammogram:

• Do not wear powder, cream or deodorant on your upper body.
• Wear a loose-fitting top, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.
• Do not wear jewelry. You will need to remove it before the mammogram.
• Bring copies of previous mammograms and reports with you.
• Describe any breast problems to the technician before the exam.

If you experience breast tenderness before your period, you may want to schedule the test at a point in your menstrual cycle when your breasts are less sensitive.

Tomosynthesis (3D mammography)

Tomosynthesis, also known as "tomo" or 3D mammography, is an advanced type of mammogram that uses the same X-ray technology as standard 2D mammograms.

What to expect with 3D mammography

During a 3D mammogram, the camera moves in an arc over the breasts, taking images from various angles to create a 3D image of the breast. This type of exam provides images of the breast in layers, making it easier to find abnormalities.

Benefits of 3D mammography

3D mammography offers many benefits compared to 2D mammography, such as:

• Decreased chance of being called back for additional testing
• Helpful for screening women with dense breast tissue
• Increased detection of cancers

We also offer breast ultrasound. An ultrasound helps our team study a specific area on the mammogram or a lump you may discover. Breast ultrasound is often used in conjunction with a mammogram.

Breast MRI is used to evaluate abnormalities seen on a mammogram or ultrasound. An MRI allows physicians to easily view the muscles and chest wall. The MRI helps in the evaluation of breast cancer and can help doctors characterize or spot small lesions not picked up by mammography.

Women can have a higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture after breast cancer treatment. This risk is increased due to the way cancer treatments can lower levels of estrogen — a hormone that helps protect bones. A woman's risk of osteoporosis also increases as she ages since estrogen production slows down over time, causing bones to become thinner and more brittle.

For this reason, our hospital incorporates bone density testing in our women's health services. We use dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to determine your risk for bone fractures. It uses a small amount of radiation to evaluate the density of your bones and mineral content.

Our skilled technologists perform these bone density tests, which are quick and painless, for breast cancer survivors and anyone at risk of bone loss.

Once you have your prescription for your bone density test, please call us at (877) 331-7029 to schedule your exam.

The specialists in our breast care center provide diagnostic breast health screenings in a warm and serene atmosphere.

The breast cancer screenings guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) are as follows for women at average risk of developing the disease:

• Women should receive annual mammograms from 45 to 54 years old.
• At 55 years old, women can receive mammograms every other year or continue with annual screenings.
• All women should discuss their individual risk factors and screening recommendations with their healthcare provider. Women at higher risk for breast cancer may need earlier screenings.

According to the ACS, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. However, research from the National Cancer Institute. shows the rates of breast cancer diagnoses have remained relatively stable, while breast cancer death rates in women have decreased. These decreases are attributed to earlier breast cancer detection through breast cancer screening and improved treatments, which are developed from increased research.

We understand a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening. Should breast cancer be detected, we have a comprehensive oncology program at our hospital.

Our oncologists, breast cancer specialists and surgeons work together to provide you with personalized cancer care — from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship.

If you have questions or need help, call our cancer care navigator.

This is why early detection and early treatment are the most important and effective tools to fight and survive this cancer.

To detect breast cancer, we offer a variety of women's health screening exams, performed using advanced diagnostic imaging technology.