Mammograms Matter
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. The Radiology Clinic now has 3-D Mammography, which is 41% better at detecting invasive breast cancers. Traditional digital mammography takes two-dimensional pictures of the breast, but rather than viewing the breast tissue in 2-D images, our radiologists can examine the tissue one thin layer at a time, in a sense traveling through the structure of the breast like flipping pages of a book. Fine details are more visible and are less likely to be hidden by overlapping 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 a screening mammogram every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual 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 a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
Early Detection Makes A Difference
All women can get breast cancer, even those with no family history of the disease.
40 is the age at which women should start getting annual mammograms
37% reduction in breast cancer deaths since mammography screening became widespread in 1990
1 in 6 breast cancers occur in women ages 40-49
3 of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease or other factors that put them at risk
These statistics are provided by the American College of Radiology.
Why Choose Us For Your Annual Mammogram?
Compassionate Staff
The Radiology Clinic's caring staff recognizes that diagnostic testing can cause apprehension and uneasiness. Our technologists will take the time to explain exactly what you can expect during your mammogram, and someone is always available to assist you with questions or concerns.
Convenience
We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays, and we offer mammograms until 5pm on weekdays and during our Saturday hours. Easily accessible from McFarland Boulevard, we are located just north of the Black Warrior River and ample free parking provides easy access to the clinic.
Depth of Experience
Our board-certified radiologists work with trained technologists to provide a compassionate, expert imaging experience. Radiologists are physicians who have received 4 to 6 years of advanced training after completing their medical degrees. Radiology technologists, who work closely with radiologists, receive 2 to 4 years of training in radiologic technology.
Quick Results
Your referring physician will be provided results 3-4 working days after your examination. You will receive a letter describing the results of your examination within 10 days.
Safety
Your safety is one of our top priorities. We are committed to delivering the best medical imaging experience in the world and minimizing your exposure to radiation.
Mammography saves lives. One of them could be yours.
What to Expect
You will be escorted to a dressing room by a mammography technologist, instructed to undress from the waist up and given a gown. During the examination the technologist will position your breast in a compression device. This is used to decrease the overall thickness of the breast during filming thus providing a clearer image. It also allows for a lower radiation dose. The compression, which may be uncomfortable to some women, lasts a few seconds and is released after each exposure. A routine mammogram consists of two views of each breast.
Screening mammograms (patients with no new problems) are checked by the technologist for technical quality before the patient leaves the clinic. All mammograms are read by the radiologist the next morning. If additional views or an ultrasound is needed, you will be called for a return visit.
Diagnostic mammograms (patients with acute problems) are checked by the radiologist while the patient is still in the clinic. If needed, additional views or an ultrasound will be obtained at this visit.
Preparation
It is best to wear a two piece outfit, if possible, as you will be asked to remove all clothing above the waist. Please do not use perfume, powder or lotion until after the examination. Certain chemicals in these products can produce misleading examination results.
If you have prior films from another facility, please bring them with you. If this is not possible, let us know where these studies were performed so that we can retrieve them.
Approximately 30 - 60 minutes should be allowed for the examination. You may be at The Radiology Clinic longer than that due to check-in and interview with the technologist.
If you have children, please make arrangements for childcare, as there are no childcare facilities on site. Due to radiation exposure, children are not allowed in the examination room.
Follow Up
Your referring physician will be provided results 3-4 working days after your examination. You will receive a letter describing the results of your examination within 10 days.
Important Information
You may wish to avoid mammography the week prior to your menstrual cycle due to breast tenderness. If you think you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please notify the technologist prior to your exam.
The Mammography program at The Radiology Clinic is accredited by the American College of Radiology.