Mammogram screenings with comfort and peace of mind

As you plan for your appointment, here are a few things to know about mammograms.

Schedule your mammogram for a time when your breasts aren’t likely to be tender. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. It’s a good idea to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period (if you haven’t gone through menopause yet).

Let us know where you had your past mammograms. If you're going to a new facility for your mammogram, let us know where your previous mammograms took place. We’ll ask for your permission so we can collect those images for you and use them to provide more information about your medical history.

Skip the deodorant. Fine metallic particles in some deodorants can appear on your mammogram and make it hard to read your results. That’s why we ask you not to use deodorant before your mammogram. If you forget, it’s not a problem. All mammogram locations have complimentary wipes so you can remove it. We also have complimentary deodorant for you to use afterward.

Mammograms use X-rays to see the tissue inside your breasts. To get the best possible image, the machine compresses the breast tissue and takes pictures from different angles. Doctors then examine the X-rays looking for any areas of concern.

We preform different types of mammograms. Screening mammograms help detect early signs of breast cancer before a person experiences any symptoms. There are also diagnostic mammograms, which capture more images than a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram may be recommended if your doctor notices an area of concern on your screening mammogram or if you’re experiencing breast symptoms like breast pain.

We can perform mammograms using 2D technology, the industry standard, and 3D technology. 3D mammograms, also called breast tomosynthesis, use multiple images to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast.

If the radiologist sees anything that requires a closer look, they’ll let you know and discuss next steps. Remember that many things show up on mammograms – not just cancer. In fact, most breast changes that happen over time are not cancer. Things like benign (non-cancerous) lumps, cysts and even dense breast tissue can appear as areas of concern on mammogram images.

There is some pressure applied to your breasts, but it’s generally over in a few minutes. If you have questions about the mammogram or are concerned it will be painful, please ask us. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and do our best to keep you as comfortable as possible.

The American College of Radiology says that women should get yearly mammograms starting at age 40.

Of course, it’s best to talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. You might want to start earlier, though, if you’re at increased risk for breast cancer or if you have concerns.

Yes, you can and you should get regular mammogram screenings as recommended if you breast implants. Just make sure to tell the mammography technologist before the screening begins.

If you had a bilateral mastectomy to remove your breasts before getting implants, you do not need to get a mammogram since there isn’t any breast tissue left.

Yes, mammograms can be done during pregnancy. In fact, regular screening mammograms should continue on your normal schedule during pregnancy. Low radiation levels are generally considered safe for you and your baby during pregnancy.

Yes, mammograms can be done when you’re breastfeeding or lactating, and it’s recommended that screenings continue on your normal schedule. It’s just suggested that you empty your breasts right before your mammogram for the most accurate results.

Also, X-rays do not affect human milk. So if you do need a mammogram while breastfeeding or lactating, it’s safe to nurse or feed your child expressed milk immediately after the imaging is complete.

Yes. And it isn’t necessary to remove the piercings, as long as they don’t interfere with the images.

Yes, you should still get a mammogram, but it’s important to make sure the radiology technician knows about your pacemaker.

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover 2D mammograms for breast cancer screening at 100%, so there’s no cost to you. Many plans also cover 3D mammography.

Before you make a mammogram appointment, it’s always a good idea to check with your health insurance company about your coverage for screening mammograms and how often you can get one.

We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.

Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card for help looking at your options.

Don’t have your card in front of you? Here are the member services numbers to common insurance providers:

• HealthPartners: 800-883-2177
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000
• CIGNA: 800-244-6224 (insurance through work); 866-494-2111 (insurance directly or through the Exchange)
• Medica: 800-952-3455
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• PreferredOne: 763-847-4477 (in the Twin Cities); 800-997-1750 (outside the metro area)
• United Healthcare: 877-842-3210