Mammography & Breast Health

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Noyes Health is proud to offer the most state-of-the-art 3D mammography, right in Dansville. 

Tomosynthesis 3D mammography is a type of digital mammography which uses advanced technology to take images of your breast from different angles and combine them to create a more complete and accurate image of your breast than is possible with regular 2D digital mammography.

Studies have shown that Tomosynthesis finds invasive cancers at a 40% higher rate than regular 2D mammograms. It can also pinpoint hard to find cancers that may otherwise be unnoticed, particularly in areas of dense tissue.

Hologic’s 3D mammography exam has been clinically proven and FDA approved to detect 20 to 65 percent more invasive cancers, reduce unnecessary callbacks by up to 40 percent compared to 2D mammography, and is approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.

3D mammography follows the same basic procedure that you're probably accustomed to with regular 2D digital mammography. 3D lasts just a few seconds longer, slightly extending the time of minor discomfort you may feel and the low-risk radiation exposure involved with all forms of digital mammography.

Most insurance carriers consider 3D mammography a covered service. Please check with your insurance company prior to your appointment to make sure it is covered.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast. It's used to find and diagnose breast disease. A mammogram may be done if you have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, and it is also done as a screening test if you don’t have breast problems. It can check for breast cancers, noncancerous or benign tumors, and cysts before they can be felt.

A mammogram uses a low dose of radiation.

What are the Different Types of Mammograms?

There are 2 types of mammograms:

• Screening mammogram. This is used to find any breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer. Often 2 X-rays are taken of each breast. A mammogram can find a tumor before it can be felt.
• Diagnostic mammogram. This is used to diagnose abnormal breast changes. These may include a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. More pictures are taken than during a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to check any problems found on a screening mammogram. 

How is a Mammogram Done?

X-rays of the breast are different from X-rays for other parts of your body. The breast is squeezed, or compressed, by the mammogram equipment. This spreads the breast tissue apart. Because of this, the radiation dose is lower. You may feel some mild pain when your breast is compressed. But this pressure is needed to keep the radiation level low. It also helps take the best picture of your breast tissue. The compression only lasts for a few seconds for each image of your breast. A breast health nurse or X-ray technologist often takes the X-rays. The films are read by a radiologist. He or she gives the results to your healthcare provider.

Mammograms may also be done with the help of a computer to make digital images. Digital mammograms are done the same way as a standard mammogram.

Who Should Get a Screening Mammogram?

Different health experts have different recommendations for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer:

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every 2 years for women ages 50 to 74.
• The American Cancer Society recommends screening be a choice for women who are at average risk, starting at age 40. Mammograms should be done every year for all women ages 45 to 54. Then you can switch to mammograms every 2 years. Or you have the choice to continue annual mammograms. 

Talk with your healthcare provider to find out which screening guidelines are right for you.

If you are at higher risk for breast cancer, talk with your provider about:

• Starting screening mammograms earlier
• Having additional tests such as a breast ultrasound or MRI
• Having mammograms more often

General Mammogram Preparation

Please refrain from wearing any sort of deodorant as this can interfere with your study.

To schedule your mammogram:

Dansville: 585-335-4236

Geneseo: 585-991-6016