Schedule Your Annual Screening Mammogram Exam Today
Regular breast cancer screenings are essential for early detection and better outcomes. A screening mammogram is a proactive, non-invasive way to check for potential signs of breast cancer in women with no symptoms. By detecting abnormalities early, this breast imaging service can help you catch cancer before it progresses, increasing your chances for successful treatment. At Element Medical Imaging, we also offer advanced 3D mammography technology to support your traditional screening mammogram, ensuring more accurate and reliable results for women with dense breast tissue or those at higher risk of breast cancer.
Exam Explanation
A screening mammogram is an annual exam designed to detect potential signs of breast cancer in women who do not have noticeable symptoms. It uses low-dose X-ray imaging to capture images of the breast tissue, helping radiologists identify abnormal growths, such as tumors or calcifications. For women with dense breast tissue, 3D mammography may be used to provide clearer images that a traditional 2D mammogram might miss. Mammogram centers like Element Medical Imaging offer the latest in breast imaging technology to ensure the most accurate screenings.
When Should You Get a Screening Mammogram?
Current guidelines recommend that women start getting screening mammograms every year beginning at age 40. If you have no symptoms and no significant family history, a routine mammogram can detect early signs of breast cancer before it becomes symptomatic. 3D mammography offers a more detailed view, improving accuracy and reducing false positives, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
How do I prepare for screening mammogram exam?
On the day of the breast exam, do not wear powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts. These substances can cause artifacts on your mammogram, making the images harder to interpret. Deodorant will be available to you after your exam. Wear two-piece clothing so that you only have to remove your top and bra for the examination. To help minimize discomfort during your exam, schedule your screening mammogram during the two weeks following your menstrual cycle (when breasts are less tender). Please bring any pertinent history to your appointment: prior surgeries, hormone use, family or personal history of breast cancer.
What should I expect?
Your screening mammogram will be performed by a mammography-certified, female technologist. After you check in, you will be escorted to a private dressing room, where you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front. The technologist will ask you several questions, so she can better understand your history and/or any problems you may be having.
At Element Medical Imaging, a board certified radiologist, at the time of your visit, will review your exam results with you and explain any further recommendations. Your primary care physician will receive the results of your exam within 24-48 hours of your visit. If you have had a previous mammogram at another imaging facility, please let us know so that we may obtain these images. It is extremely important for the radiologist to have your prior films for comparison, as it enhances the doctor’s ability to detect a subtle change or small abnormality on your current screening mammogram. Availability of prior images at your appointment also decreases the length of time it takes for you to get your results.
When will I receive the results?
Screening mammogram results will be sent to you and your physician within 48 hours of the exam. If you are called back for additional mammographic views, do not be alarmed. Approximately 10% of women are called back from screening mammograms for additional testing an accurate diagnosis. If this is the case, a member of our staff will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next step of getting a diagnostic mammogram.
Mammogram Benefits and Risks
Screening mammograms are essential for early detection but may not always detect every case of breast cancer. In some cases, additional tests such as a diagnostic mammogram may be required. While there’s a minimal risk from the radiation used in breast radiology, as advances in digital mammography have reduced radiation levels to ensure safety for all patients.
Schedule Your Screening Mammogram
If you'd like to make an appointment at one of our mammogram centers in KC, Overland Park, Lee's Summit or Liberty, call 913.469.8998. Walk-in appointments are available Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. You do not need a referral from your primary care physician for a screening mammogram. However, we do require that you provide a physician’s name, so that we may send a copy of your results.