Mammography

Our Approach to Mammography

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts, and is used to find and diagnose breast disease. You may have a screening mammogram as part of an annual health check if you do not have any symptoms of breast disease. A diagnostic mammogram may be done to evaluate changes in breast health or symptoms of breast disease.

For patient convenience and timely review of results, both screening and diagnostic mammograms at CAMC need to be scheduled.

Once your mammogram is completed by our registered radiologic technologists, it will be read by a radiologist, and you will be notified of the results via letter and patient portal.

If the radiologist determines that you need further evaluation, you will be contacted for follow-up, which may be a diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound, or a breast biopsy.

If you need additional testing or services, CAMC can coordinate all of your care quickly and efficiently.

When Do I Need a Mammogram?

Not only do we provide dependable and accessible breast care, but we also offer tips and education to patients regarding early breast cancer detection.  According to the ACR (American College of Radiology) and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) the guidelines include:

• Annual screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk, but earlier and more intensive screening for high-risk patients.
• Women with genetics-based increased risk (such as BRCA1 carriers), those with a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or more and those exposed to chest radiation at a young age are recommended to have MRI surveillance starting at ages 25 to 30. These women should start annual mammography at ages 25 to 40, depending on type of risk. Discuss your personal risk with your provider.
• Women diagnosed with breast cancer prior to age 50 or with personal history of breast cancer and dense breasts should have annual supplemental breast MRI.

Types of Mammography

Digital Mammography

A digital mammogram is the standard in mammography. It allows for the images of the breasts to be adjusted for clarity and visibility.

3D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis)

3D mammography is available at many of our Imaging locations.  3D mammography is now one more tool that we have in the fight against breast cancer that can allow for:

• Improved detection
• Fewer callbacks and false alarms
• Better visualization

Almost all patients who need screening or diagnostic breast imaging can have a 3D mammogram. Insurance coverage may vary, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before scheduling.

Dense breast mammography

Having dense breast tissue is normal. In fact, about 40% of women have dense breast tissue.  Having this type of tissue means your breasts contain more tissue than fat. Since mammography has limited visibility in women with dense breast tissue, screening dense breasts with ultrasound, in addition to mammography, may improve the likelihood of detecting cancer. We are the first imaging center in the region to have the first FDA-approved ultrasound supplemental screening technology designed for detecting cancer in women with dense breast tissue. 

The addition of this advanced screening tool is part of our ongoing commitment to bring the latest technology and expanded screening options to patients.

Ask your provider if a whole breast screening ultrasound would benefit you.  For more information, call 304-388-1590.

Other Breast Health Services

If you need follow up testing, CAMC provides the following services at the Breast Center and other locations as applicable:

• Breast Ultrasound
• Breast Biopsy
• Breast MRI
• Breast Cancer Treatment
• A Patient Navigator, to support patients in understanding their disease and treatment plan and overcoming barriers to care.