Breast health

Some risk factors of breast cancer are in your control, while others are not. Factors that can increase your risk of getting breast cancer can include:

• Exposure to a large amount of radiation
• Family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
• Family member diagnosed with breast cancer
• Getting your first period before 12 years old
• Having no children
• Having your first child at 35 years old or older
• High bone density
• High levels of estrogen in your blood
• Not breastfeeding
• Obesity
• Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Positive test for specific gene mutations
• Postmenopausal hormone use
• Previous biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or cancer
• Prior radiation for childhood cancer
• Starting menopause after 55 years old
• Taking birth control pills for five years or longer

Our team strives to meet the highest standards in the areas that matter the most to you. With leading-edge technology and techniques at our disposal, our facility has been accredited by the American College of Radiology, demonstrating that our imaging center meets requirements related to equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance. The variety of imaging tests we offer to both perform routine checkups and better understand potential abnormalities includes:

• 3D digital mammography
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Breast ultrasound
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan
• Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

Breast cancer screening in men

Although men rarely get breast cancer, the incidence rate has increased in recent years. It is not recommended for men to get screening mammograms, but self-exams are appropriate. We may order a diagnostic mammogram if you are experiencing concerning symptoms.

Bone density testing

Your bone density is an indicator of the estrogen levels in your body. The more estrogen your body produces, the more bone mass you will have. High levels of estrogen can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, identifying high bone density informs us that we should proactively monitor your breast health.

In addition, breast cancer can weaken your bones by accelerating the breakdown of old bone and slowing the growth of new bone. Because of this, if you have breast cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition involving the gradual loss of calcium. As you lose calcium, your bones become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.

Bone density testing is also used to assess your risk for developing fractures, and to track the effects of treatment on conditions that cause bone loss, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often affects women after menopause, but men can get it, as well.

What to expect during your bone density test

A bone density test is simple, painless and takes about 20 minutes. It uses DEXA X-ray technology to determine the mineral density of your bones and to make an accurate diagnosis.

During the procedure, you will lie on a cushioned table, while a scanner passes over your body. A radiologist interprets your exam, and test results are sent to the doctor who ordered your test.

Mammography

Our team can perform several different types of mammograms, depending on your individual needs.

3D mammography

Also known as tomosynthesis, a 3D mammogram allows our radiologists to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. These scans are capable of showing changes in breast tissue before you can feel them. The images also make fine details within breast tissue more visible, improving the chances of detecting a tumor early, when breast cancer is most treatable. An additional potential benefit of 3D mammography is a reduced need for unnecessary biopsies, possibly minimizing anxiety and costs.

Screening and diagnostic mammograms

The purpose of screening and diagnostic mammograms is different. A screening mammogram is the mammogram you get every year. Depending on your risk factors, we might recommend you start getting them when you are 40 years old.

If an area of concern or an unclear area shows up on a screening mammogram, we may ask you to get a diagnostic mammogram. If there is a breast complaint or concern that we need to evaluate (such as a lump), we will perform a diagnostic mammogram.

What to expect during your mammogram

A mammogram involves gently compressing one of your breasts between two plates while we take X-ray images of it. During your mammogram, we ask that you hold perfectly still, so that our radiologist can get clear, high-quality images. This is critical, because the radiologist looks for structures smaller than a grain of sand in your breast. Movement as small as your heartbeat can cause the fine detail to blur and make your breast tissue less visible.

Our dedicated team strives to minimize any discomfort you may feel during your mammogram. We encourage you to let us know if you need us to make an adjustment to make you more comfortable.