Mammography is quick, easy to schedule and covered by insurance.
Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive health care for women. But many women delay their screening because they're anxious about the test, or because their lives are too busy. But detecting health concerns early is too important to ignore.
At Trinity Health, we recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of developing breast cancer. Women at higher risk of developing breast cancer—such as women with a family history of the disease—may begin screening earlier. Here are a few tips to remember for your next mammogram.
- Even though life is busy, you can easily schedule your mammogram online.
- Make your mammogram appointment a priority.
- Get a mammogram annually. This screening should be covered by your insurance.
- Discuss any changes or concerns you have regarding your breast health with your PCP and with the staff at the breast imaging center at the time of your mammogram.
- Make sure your provider is aware of any part of your medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk such as surgery, hormone use, breast cancer in your family or if you've had breast cancer before.
We offer 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, at all our screening locations. 3D mammography is a cutting-edge technology that provides a clearer and more detailed view of breast tissue compared to traditional 2D mammograms. It is especially useful for those with dense breast tissue. Additional benefits include:
- It finds or rules out breast cancer through its technology, which produces clearer images.
- Typically, the scans take just a few minutes.
- It uses the safest and lowest possible level of radiation.
In addition to mammography, Trinity Health also offers supplemental screening, such as abbreviated breast MRI, which provides:
- Increased accuracy when performed with an annual mammogram, especially for patients with dense breasts.
- High detectability for invasive breast cancer.
- A way to check breast implants for leaks or ruptures.
The abbreviated breast MRI is an out-of-pocket cost, not covered by insurance.
Mammography remains the standard of care for breast cancer screening and is the best way to find breast cancer early. When breast cancer is found early, there can be a greater likelihood of having a positive outcome.
Learn more about Trinity Health's breast centers and the services offered.
Courtesy of Trinity Health.
Photo Courtesy of Trinity Health.
