Mammography
Mammograms are a helpful tool for detecting breast conditions, including breast cancer. At North Kansas City Hospital, our team uses several mammography methods because we know that every woman is different. No matter what you need, our experts will work to ensure you have the information and technology required for early detection.
Baseline Mammograms
Your first mammogram is called a baseline mammogram. It establishes a reference point, so your provider can use it to evaluate any changes in your breasts each year. We recommend having your first mammogram at age 40 (or earlier if there is a history of breast cancer in your family). Your doctor can help you decide when it’s best to get your baseline mammogram.
You should get subsequent screening mammograms every year.
Benefits of Annual Mammograms
Annual mammograms are important because they alert you and your healthcare provider to any lumps or changes that may need further testing. This detection includes lumps that are too small to feel when you perform your monthly breast self-exam.
At NKCH, most of the time we use 3-D mammography, which is the latest in breast cancer detection technology. It helps our radiologists examine your breast tissue layer by layer with a more detailed view.
There are many benefits to getting a 3-D mammography screening each year, including:
- Detailed analysis – You’ll have fewer unnecessary biopsies, tests and false-positives with 3-D mammography. It reduces false positives by up to 40%.
- Earlier detection of smaller cancers – 3-D mammography can find even the smallest cancers, and the earlier we detect cancer, the more likely treatment will be successful.
- Faster results – You’ll get the results of your mammogram on the same day as your appointment, so there’s no waiting.
- Increased cancer detection rate – 3-D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers.
Mammogram Frequently Asked Questions
The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that all women have an annual breast cancer screening, starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should begin yearly mammograms ten years earlier than the age the family member was diagnosed or at age 40, whichever comes first. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44, you should start screening mammograms at age 34. 3-D mammography is approved for all women who would have a traditional mammogram. Clinical studies have shown that all women, regardless of breast type or density, benefit from 3-D mammography.
You should feel as prepared and comfortable as possible before your mammogram. Preparation starts with scheduling your mammogram at the best time for you. Your breasts may be tender right before and during your period, so we recommend not getting a mammogram then. If possible, schedule your mammogram a week or two after your period starts. On the day of your mammogram, avoid wearing deodorant, perfume, powders or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. These products can show up as calcium spots on the mammogram and make results harder to see. Also be sure to tell the radiologist about any breast symptoms or problems.
You can expect your mammogram exam to take about 30 minutes. At your appointment, we’ll have you undress from the waist up and give you a gown to wear. You’ll place one breast at a time on the X-ray plate. A paddle will compress the breast to help flatten the tissue. The compression may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. We’ll take images from several angles, so you’ll change positions a few times. Before you leave, ask when your results will be ready. Usually, you’ll have access to mammogram results within 24 hours or less. We'll send your results to your primary care doctor after a radiologist has reviewed them.
All procedures have some risk, but with mammograms, the benefits outweigh the risks. You should be aware that mammograms:
- Aren’t always accurate and can possibly show false-negative or false-positive results
- Can be difficult to interpret in women under 40
- Can’t detect all cancers
- Expose you to low-dose radiation
You may need additional testing if the findings are abnormal.
A screening mammogram is what you have every year. You may need a diagnostic mammogram if your screening mammogram shows abnormal results. Diagnostic mammograms help evaluate the area in question. Know that just because you have a diagnostic mammogram does not mean you have breast cancer or another breast condition.