Screening mammography available at all locations.
Diagnostic mammography available at Red Bank and Tri-County.
What are the different types of mammograms?
- Screening Mammogram. A screening mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts that includes two views of each breast. This procedure is done when a patient shows NO sign of symptoms. The screening mammogram does not require a prescription unless the patient is younger than thirty-five (35) years of age. During the time of the examination, the patient does not meet with a radiologist or surgeon. Results are given to the patient through mail within ten (10) days of procedure or by telephone from the Pink Ribbon Center office. Waiting for comparison films may delay receipt of your results.
- Diagnostic Mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast that includes two or more views of each breast. This procedure is done when a patient shows signs of symptoms, such as a lump, change in breast contour, dimpling, bleeding, or discharge from the breast. A diagnostic mammogram does require a prescription from a referring physician who is able to follow the patient’s continued breast health. Additional mammography images or other imaging will also be performed. Results are given in person through a meeting with a radiologist or surgeon to discuss.
What does it feel like to have a mammogram?
When receiving a mammogram, you will change into a patient gown, removing your clothes from the waist up. Once in the exam room, the technologist will ask you about your general health and about breast health concerns.
X-rays of each breast will be taken. The x-rays are taken while applying compression to your breast. Although the pressure may be uncomfortable, it is essential to obtain quality images. Compression is important as it allows us to see more breast tissue with less radiation. A few patients say that the compression during a mammogram is painful, but most patients say there is only brief discomfort that lasts seconds.
Your exam will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may eat or drive as normal.
How long does it take to get the results of a mammogram?
You should receive the results within ten (10) business days of your mammogram. If you do not receive results within this timeframe, call your doctor or ProScan Pink Ribbon Center.
Waiting for comparison films may delay receipt of your results. Please call 513-527-7750 if you do not receive your results within ten (10) days. The ProScan Pink Ribbon Center will contact you by phone if further evaluation is needed to complete the exam.
Are mammograms safe?
Yes. Experts agree that the amount of radiation exposure during mammography is minimal and about the same as receiving a dental x-ray. No radiation remains in a patient’s body after an x-ray examination. X-rays usually have no side effects.
Imaging of the breast improves a physician’s ability to detect small tumors. When cancers are small, patients have more treatment options, and a cure is more likely.
What are the benefits of a mammogram?
Mammography is the most sensitive and specific screening test currently available for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast imaging improves a physician’s ability to detect small tumors. When cancers are small, patients have more treatment options and a cure is more likely.
The use of mammography increases the detection of small abnormal tissue growths confined to the milk ducts in the breast, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These early tumors cannot harm patients if they are removed at this stage. Mammography is the only proven method to reliably detect these tumors. It is also useful for detecting all types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer.
For patients 50 to 69 years old:
There is good evidence that mammograms reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in patients aged 50 to 69 years if breast cancer is adequately treated after discovery by a mammogram. Studies found fewer breast cancer deaths in patients aged 50 to 69 years who received routine mammograms compared to patients who did not receive routine mammograms.
For patients 40 to 49 years old:
There is some evidence that mammograms may decrease deaths from breast cancer in patients in their forties.
Routine screening recommendations include not just mammograms but also regular physical exams by a doctor and breast self-exams. A combination of all three methods will give you the best chances for early detection.
