Mammography

Mammography is a safe, low doe X-ray of the breast that allows detection of breast cancer. In a screening mammogram, images are taken from two angles of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram requires additional images; it's used if there is a concern or for special circumstances such as breast implants.

CareNet Medical Group conducts mammograms in a warm pleasant environment, using an X-ray machine. The exam typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Self Breast Examination
Demonstration of a Self Breast Examination

Accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Food and Drug Administration

www.acr.org

www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography

The preparation for the test is as follows:

• No use of deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under the arms or near the breasts on the day of the mammogram
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine within 5 days of the mammogram, this is for comfort purposes, breast are more tender when you use large amounts of caffeine.
Patient should have the name, address, and telephone number of any facility where she has had a prior mammogram, and bring those films with her for comparison, if available.
• CareNet Medical group, PC is FDA-certified through the American College of Radiology.

CareNet Medical Group, PC notifies all patients by letter when results are normal. Any abnormal results are called directly to the patient if a diagnostic mammogram is recommended by the radiologist reading the studies. Patients will also receive a yearly reminder when their mammogram is due.

Information about Mammography

• 
  www.radiologyinfo.org/content/mammogram.htm

Breast Health Information

• 
  www.asb.org

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why shouldn't patients wear deodorant?
A. Deodorant can show on the films as mini-calcifications. This could necessitate taking additional unnecessary films.

Q. How often should women have a mammogram?
A. The American College of Radiology recommends that women should have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. Then, they should have one every year until age 75. The younger a woman is, the faster a cancer can grow. Therefore, if women have a mammogram annually, cancer can usually be detected in its early stages.