Breast Cancer Screening and Risk Reduction

For women who aren’t having any breast cancer symptoms, we offer a screening mammogram, an X-ray test of the breasts (mammary glands) used to screen for breast problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or a solid mass.

The goal of this procedure is early detection. Due to the increase in women getting screening mammograms, more and more breast cancers are being caught at the earliest, most treatable stages. If you’re scheduled for a screening mammogram but develop a symptom, please let the technologist know before the start of your exam.

Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives (false alarms) by up to 40%.

With tomosynthesis, an X-ray beam sweeps through the breast in a slight arc and takes pictures of multiple “slices” of breast tissues. A radiologist then looks through the series of images. Digital tomosynthesis allows the detection of small abnormalities that may be hidden by normal breast tissue. It also allows the radiologist to tell the difference between a clump of normal tissue and a true mass.

Doctors agree that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. Successful treatment and survival rates for breast cancer are dramatically affected by early detection of breast cancer. If breast cancer is found early, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%.

We understand there are many different screening recommendations. This can be confusing. If you are at average risk for breast cancer, talk with your health care provider to determine what‘s best for you.

Schedule a Mammogram