{"id":12725,"date":"2025-03-10T08:25:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T14:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/radiologyassist.com\/StagingAvada\/?p=12725"},"modified":"2025-05-12T09:53:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T15:53:20","slug":"mammogram-essentials-a-simple-start-to-breast-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiologyassist.com\/StagingAvada\/blog\/mammogram-essentials-a-simple-start-to-breast-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Mammogram Essentials: A Simple Start to Breast Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mammogram Essentials: A Simple Start to Breast Health<\/h1><\/div>
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The earliest mammogram was conducted in 1913, but it wasn\u2019t until the mid-1960s that mammogram technology had advanced enough to become a standard and reliable screening tool.<\/p>\n

In the US, the FDA estimates nearly 43 million mammograms are done each year, highlighting this procedure as a pervasive and important tool in the fight against breast cancer. Catching breast cancer early not only improves survival rates, but involves less invasive treatments, and reduces the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.<\/p>\n

This article will provide details on what mammograms are, how they work, and what to expect as a patient during a mammogram.<\/p>\n

What is a Mammogram?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A mammogram is a type of x-ray specifically designed to measure breast tissue. Its primary purpose is to detect breast cancer.<\/p>\n

The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 54 get annual mammograms. Women ages 55 to 74 can switch to mammograms every other year or continue annual screenings. The decision of when to start and how often to get mammograms should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering personal risk factors and preferences.<\/p>\n

There are two types of mammograms:<\/p>\n

-Screening: These are routine exams meant to detect signs of cancer before there are any symptoms.<\/p>\n

-Diagnostic: These exams are used to investigate suspicious findings or symptoms, like lumps or pain.<\/p>\n

The Patient Experience: What Happens During a Mammogram?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mammograms are typically scheduled for the week after a women\u2019s menstrual period. Breast tissue is less dense at this time, making it easier to detect abnormalities.<\/p>\n

After arriving at the facility and checking in, you will change into a hospital gown. Your chest and shoulders should be free of any jewelry. The presence of metal can interfere with the x-ray process.<\/p>\n

The mammogram machine is a specialized x-ray machine that you stand in front of. The x-ray technician will help position each breast on a platform, and then a clear plastic plate is lowered to compress the breast. The compression may be momentarily uncomfortable but is an important step to ensure that x-ray images are as clear as possible. The mammogram typically involves two views of each breast: a side view and a top view. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes.<\/p>\n

Continuing technological advances have made digital mammography a common practice. X-rays are still used, but instead of the x-ray being recorded on film, the images are stored on a computer. This improved technology produces clearer images, and easier storage and sharing of the images.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Mammograms<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mammograms provide:<\/p>\n

-Early Detection: Mammograms can detect cancer before any lumps or other symptoms appear. Early detection leads to early treatment.<\/p>\n

-Lowered Mortality: Due to early detection & treatment, cancer is less likely to be able to spread to other organs.<\/p>\n

-Less Invasive Treatments: Early detection allows precise, less invasive procedures. A procedure such as a lumpectomy (the removal of the cancerous tissue) is preferable to the patient instead of a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast.) Less invasive procedures provide a better cosmetic outcome and lessen the chance of side effects.<\/p>\n

-Peace of Mind: By being an active participant in your own health, you reduce anxiety and uncertainty. A mammogram is your tool to find cancer early and defeat it.<\/p>\n

RadiologyAssist: Your Partner in the Battle Against Breast Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are the national leader in providing radiologic screenings to uninsured and self-pay patients. We partner with over 1000+ high-quality accredited centers nationwide, ensuring quality and convenient care with up-front transparent pricing. Our scheduling capabilities allow our patients to get their affordable mammograms<\/a>\u00a0quickly, avoiding delays in diagnosis and care.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n

For nearly 60 years, mammograms have been the leading tool in the fight against breast cancer. At RadiologyAssist, we make these essential scans affordable and within reach for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

All Inclusive Rates<\/p>\n<\/div>

Starting From:<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

MRI<\/p>\n<\/div>

without contrast<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

$256*<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

CT Scan<\/p>\n<\/div>

without contrast<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

$130*<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Mammogram<\/p>\n<\/div>

Screening or diagnostic<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

$140*<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ultrasound<\/p>\n<\/div>

Most Body Parts<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

$115*<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

X Ray<\/p>\n<\/div>

2 views<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

$33*<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

*Prices listed are starting rates and may vary based on location.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Schedule Now<\/span><\/a><\/div>

All Inclusive Rates<\/p>\n<\/div>

RadiologyAssist is a nationwide assistance program that was created to help anyone having to pay for their imaging out of pocket.<\/p>\n

The program ensures that patients receive :<\/p>\n

1. Affordable cost<\/p>\n

2. Quality care<\/p>\n

3. Quick and easy scheduling<\/p>\n

4. Protection from common upcharges and pitfalls that uninsured patients face.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

\"\" Board Certified Radiologist<\/p>\n

\"\" Accredited Imaging Centers<\/p>\n

\"\" Low Affordable Rates<\/p>\n<\/div>

Thousands of Happy Patients<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The Customer Support team did an excellent job communicating with me and setting up the appointment. I saved a lot of money as well, which was an added bonus. I don\u2019t usually write reviews, but this group impressed me.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>

T.M<\/strong>, from Google reviews<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
\n

Thanks radiology assist! Helped saved me over $200 for my needed CT scan, the process was extremely easy. They scheduled my appointment and was available for all my questions! Thanks again!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>

Tonja J<\/strong>, from Google reviews<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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