Digital Mammography

Saint Luke’s uses region-leading expertise, experience, and technology to provide comprehensive mammogram screenings that enable physicians to provide relevant patient treatment plans.  

What is a mammogram? 

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast used to find and diagnose breast disease. Your health care provider may order a mammogram if you have a breast problem, such as a lump, pain, or discharge from a nipple. Your provider may also order one as a screening test to look for breast cancers, noncancerous (benign) tumors, and cysts before they can be felt. 

Mammograms are typically done with the help of a computer to make digital images. We use 3D or tomography, which is good for women younger than age 50, women with dense breast tissue, and women who are premenopausal or perimenopausal.  

The mammogram images are checked for masses, tiny mineral deposits called calcifications, or abnormally dense areas. If a mammogram shows an area in your breast that may be cancer, your provider will refer you to a specialist who is trained to remove a sample of tissue. This is called a biopsy. This healthcare provider may remove the tissue by needle or during surgery. The tissue will be looked at under a microscope to find out if it is cancer. 

When to get a 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 every two years for women ages 40 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.  

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 breast ultrasound or MRI
• Having mammograms more often