Mammograms
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THE BEST WAY TO CATCH BREAST CANCER EARLY.
Mammograms and breast health go hand-in-hand—a especially if you’re over 40 or notice any changes in your breasts. Early and frequent mammograms can be a powerful tool in your fight against breast disease or breast cancer.
They’re safe, fast and relatively painless. At AtlantiCare, all mammograms are performed digitally, allowing our radiologists much greater flexibility in reading your images and more accuracy in diagnosing any issues.
We also offer 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which creates a three-dimensional digital model of your breasts by taking multiple images from different angles and assembling them. These detailed images provide the highest level of accuracy for even the smallest tumors—and are especially helpful in evaluating patients with dense breast tissue.
When it comes to patient care, these digital mammography units provide increased precision and maximum comfort to create a more compassionate patient experience. This is the most advanced technology on the market, and we’re the only ones in the region to have it.
These 3D units improve cancer detection in all breast densities and are more accurate, detecting up to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers than 2D models.
Up to 50 percent of women have dense breast tissue, and they are at a 4-5 times higher risk of developing breast cancer. The machines also lead to a 40 percent reduction in call backs compared to 2D scans alone.
These Hologic Genius 3D machines feature a breast stabilization system that includes a curved compression surface to mirror the shape of the breast. The result is a more comfortable test that applies uniform compression and has no impact in image quality. The increased comfort reduces the chances of retakes.
The 3D Mammography machines may be located in side our Mainland and City campuses, but anyone can take advantage of them. Members of the public should call the Access Center to make an appointment. Employees are welcome to walk-in for same-day visits.
How Should I Prepare for My Mammogram?
- Try to schedule your mammogram one week after your period (if you’re not postmenopausal).
- Bring your physician’s referral or have it sent to us prior to your appointment.
- Bring your ID and insurance information.
- If you’re visiting a facility for the first time, bring a list of dates and locations where you’ve had previous mammograms, if any.
- If you’re concerned about any discomfort, consider taking pain medication about an hour before your mammogram.
- Consider decreasing your caffeine intake prior to your appointment. Caffeine can make your breasts feel more tender.
- Wear a two–piece outfit, if possible, as you will be asked to undress completely from the waist up.
- Wear flat shoes, sneakers, or low heels. You’ll be standing during your mammogram, so you’ll want to be comfortable.
- Leave any necklaces at home.
- Do NOT apply deodorant, perfume, powder or lotion on the day of your exam. A shower or bath is recommended prior to your exam, as hygiene products can show on a mammogram as an abnormality.
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time so you have time to get registered and changed.
- Plan to allow an hour for your screening mammogram appointment.