Mammography is imaging of the internal structure of the breast. A mammogram may help in the diagnosis of breast problems including cancer and is the most effective method available for detecting such issues.

Join the party... Lakewood offers mammo parties several times a year, where you and your friends can schedule your mammogram, get pampered and enjoy refreshments and prizes! Click on the "EVENTS" tab at the top of your screen to see when the party starts.

Lakewood Health System provides the unique breast care benefits of a full field digital mammography (FFDM) system through funding support from the Minnesota Department of Health.

A mammogram using the FFDM system is very similar to the mammograms you're used to. However, this system provides our patients with the most efficient and precise mammography images possible, improved medical professional communicability and more efficient and comprehensive healthcare delivery for you.

The FFDM system reportedly detects more breast cancer cases than other forms of mammography services, particularly in women under the age of 50, while also providing benefits like shorter waiting times for patients and increased data integrity.
 

Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a process to further define an inconclusive mammogram and ultimately aides in faster and more precise diagnosis.

BSGI is a valuable tool when mammography cannot answer all the questions and further evaluation is needed. Situations where BSGI is especially valuable include: suspicious areas on a mammogram, dense breasts, lumps that can be felt but not seen with mammography, implants and breast augmentation or scarring from previous surgeries.

While other modalities, such as Ultrasound and MRI capture the physical structure of the breast, BSGI specifically determines the cellular functioning of the breast tissue, verifying an area of concern.
 

Before your appointment

We require that you see your family medicine physician before scheduling a mammogram.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that, prior to scheduling a mammogram you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your physician. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

The ACS also recommends you:

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam.  These can appear on the mammogram as calcifications in the breast tissue.
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
• If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
• Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.
   

Screening refers to exams and tests to find a disease in people who don't show any symptoms. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the more successful the treatment outcomes.

Click here for the anatomy of breast cancer.

AGE 20-39
Schedule a breast exam by your healthcare professional at least every three years, along with performing breast self-exams each month. Performing self exams will help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel and will help you notice any changes. Let your healthcare provider know right away about any changes you detect. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider as that may change the recommendations for you.

AGE 40+
Schedule a breast exam by your healthcare provider every year as well as an annual mammogram. Breast self-exams should also be performed each month so you are familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Some breast lumps and changes are normal, but it is important to report any changes to your healthcare provider right away.

No matter what age you are, by doing a regular breast exam, you may be able to notice a variety of changes in the composition of your breasts, breast tissue or surrounding breast area including:

• A lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling or warmth in part of the breast
• Changes in the size or shape
• Skin irritation, redness or dimpling/puckering of the skin
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Lump in the underarm area
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

If you notice any of the above changes, it is important to see your healthcare provider immediately.