Mammography

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. There are two approaches to mammography -- screening and diagnostic. Screening mammograms are intended to detect breast abnormalities. Diagnostic mammograms are intended to further define those abnormalities or any other problems.

Digital Screening Mammograms

Digital screening mammograms are performed when a women has no breast examination abnormalities, such as new or suspicious breast lumps. These mammograms are interpreted by a radiologist and the results are reported to you and your physician after your visit.

The real value of digital screening mammography is its ability to detect many breast changes, including breast cancer, long before those changes grow large enough to be felt as a lump in the breast. Detecting breast cancers early, when they are smaller, is the most effective way to impact the cure rate of breast cancer. Digital screening mammography has proven to be particularly useful for women 40 and over, significantly decreasing deaths from breast cancer in that age group.

Digital Diagnostic Mammograms

Digital diagnostic mammograms are used if a problem has already been detected or if a women has previously had breast cancer. It may also be used to get good pictures because of special circumstances, for instance having breast implants. In many cases, diagnostic mammography takes longer than screening mammography because more images are taken and they are read while you wait. This allows the radiologists to ask for more images or an ultrasound if needed without the patient having to make another appointment.    

Schedule a Mammogram

To schedule a digital screening mammogram please call (918) 494-9270.  Digital screening mammograms are available at both the Saint Francis Breast Center and the Breast Screening Center at Saint Francis Broken Arrow.   

Digital diagnostic mammograms are available through the Saint Francis Breast Center.  To schedule an appointment for a digital diagnostic mammogram, please obtain a doctor order from your primary physician. Once you have an order, call (918) 494-9270 to schedule your appointment. Please bring the doctor order with you or have your physician fax it to (918) 494-9330.

Maintaining your breast health

The following steps can help you maintain your breast health:

- When to Schedule your Mammogram
- What to Expect
- How to Prepare
- How to Follow-up


When to Schedule your Mammogram
If you are 40 or over the American Cancer Society recommends a screening mammogram once a year, every year while you are in good health.

These exams will help you and your doctor determine what is normal for your breasts and what may be a sign of problems.

What to Expect
Understanding what happens during a mammogram will help reduce any anxiety you feel. It is important to know only a small amount of radiation is used in mammography. When you have a mammogram, you stand in front of a special X-ray machine. The mammography technologist lifts each breast and positions it on a platform. The platform can be adjusted to match your height. The breast is then gradually pressed against the platform by a specially designed plastic plate. Some pressure is needed for a few seconds to make sure the x-rays show as much of the breast as possible. This pressure is not harmful to your breast. In fact, compressing the breast lowers the x-ray dose needed.

Studies show most women do not find mammograms particularly painful for the short time it takes to take the picture. Try to relax. If the pain becomes too great, you can ask to stop the procedure. If you have sensitive breasts, try scheduling your mammogram during a time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Avoid scheduling the mammogram for the week before your period. This will help to lessen discomfort. If there is an area of your breast that appears to have a problem, the radiologist or mammography technologist may examine the breast.

How to Prepare
It is important for you to be as comfortable with the examination as possible. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the mammogram procedure:

• Wear a two-piece outfit so you will only have to remove your top.
• Don't use deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on the breast that day. These products can show up on the X-ray.
• Bring the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or other healthcare provider so that a report may be sent to him or her.
• Bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies or other breast treatment you have had. If you have had mammograms at another facility, ask them to release them so you can bring them with you, if possible. The old mammograms can be compared to the new mammogram to reveal any changes in your breasts.
• Bring a list of any questions you have.

Remember, this is your mammogram and your breast health. Be sure to ask questions and be informed. If you are worried about discomfort, you may want to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your mammogram. This will not affect the mammogram.

How to Follow-up
Learning the results of your mammogram, and following through with your physician's recommendations, is essential. You should not assume your X-rays are normal, just because you have not received any results. If you have not received your screening results within three weeks, consult your physician or mammography facility. When a diagnostic mammogram shows something abnormal, the radiologist may recommend another type of exam, such as a biopsy.

Whenever a mammogram uncovers a problem or a need to check something further, you need to:

• Understand what you need to do next
• Get the results of any test you have done
• Ask questions about your results if something is hard to understand
• Select a physician or other healthcare provider. If you need a physician, check the online Saint Francis Health System physician directory. You should schedule an appointment with your personal physician immediately to discuss the results of your mammogram.

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