Screening Digital Mammography

What is a Mammogram?

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

MyMichigan Health offers 3D/tomosynthesis mammograms for all screening mammograms. 3D mammograms allow radiologists to “see” through the breast tissue, layer by layer, more closely by minimizing overlapping breast tissue.

Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that yearly mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to genetic history of breast cancer should ask their doctor whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening thereafter.

How to Schedule Your Mammogram

To schedule your mammogram at one of MyMichigan Health's conveniently located breast-care centers:

1. Get a mammogram order from your provider. If you need assistance finding a provider, contact the MyMichigan Health Line at (989) 837-9090 or toll-free at (800) 999-3199.
2. Call MyMichigan Health scheduling at (989) 633-5252 or Toll Free (888) 367-2778. In Sault Ste. Marie, call (906) 635-4439.
3. Or self-schedule through the MyChart Patient Portal, visit my.mymichigan.net.
4. Seek financial-support information if you are concerned about how to afford a mammogram.

Preparation and Procedure

Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your provider. In addition, inform your provider of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

• Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

The ACS also recommends:

• • If your breasts are tender or sensitive to caffeine, avoid consuming it the day of your test.
  • Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
  • Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
• Mammography is performed on an outpatient basis.

During Your Mammogram

• Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglass or other plastic). The technologist will gradually compress your breast.
  • Compression is necessary to even out breast thickness and spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities can be detected. It also helps prevent blurring of the image by holding the breast still.
• You will be asked to remain very still and hold your breath for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken. Your position will be changed slightly between image takes as additional images are taken with 3D/tomosynthesis mammograms. The process will be repeated for the other breast.

When Testing is Complete

Results will be available on the patient portal upon completion. Please note: many times your provider is getting the results of your mammogram at the same exact time you do on the portal. Check with your providers office to see if they will call you about your results or if you need to contact them.

Time Required

The examination process should take about 30 minutes.