Mammography
The Breast Imaging Center exemplifies St. Joe's commitment to compassion and excellence. We've put the best professionals, state-of-the-art screening, and diagnostic equipment in a suite that features comfort, privacy, and compassionate care. In short, we've done the impossible: we've made getting mammograms a pleasant experience. Nothing should keep women from this very important health screening. The American College of Radiology encourages all women age 40 and older to have an annual mammogram. Early detection is vital for effective cancer treatment.
Click the button below for access to a breast health assessment. Answer a few questions to determine your level of risk for breast cancer.
Preparation for a Mammogram
A mammogram can be scheduled by you or your physician. The best time to schedule a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or mammography technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
- Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium deposits. Should you wear deodorant on the day of your exam, we provide wet wipes to remove it and spray deodorant for after your exam.
- Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
- During scheduling of your exam, please notify the staff of any prior mammograms performed outside of the St. Joseph Breast Imaging Center in order for them to be sent and available for comparison review at the time of your current exam.
- Ask when your results will be available, and do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.
What to Expect During a Mammogram
A mammogram takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and requires that you undress above the waist. The technologist will give you a gown to wear. Breast compression may cause slight discomfort for a brief time during each exposure, but it should not be painful. If discomfort is something that worries you, please discuss this concern with the technologist before the mammogram begins or indicate to the technologist during the exam if you begin to experience discomfort. Feel free to ask our professional staff questions at any time before, during or after your exam.