Total breast care
Most women will experience some type of breast problem during their lifetime. The good news is that most breast disorders are not cancerous. However, your chance of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. That's why breast cancer screenings and examinations are so important—and where you go for these breast care services makes a difference.
While more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year according to the American Cancer Society, there are also many other breast health concerns.
Common breast conditions include:
- Breast calcifications
- Breast cysts
- Breast lumps
- Breast nipple discharge
- Breast pain
- Dense breasts
Breast cancer screening recommendations
According to the American Cancer Society, early screening saves lives. Mammograms are the most effective and important early breast cancer detection method.
- All women: monthly breast self-exam
- Women age 20 and older: clinical breast exam at annual physical
- Women age 40 and older: yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam
- Women at high risk for breast cancer: yearly MRI and mammogram
Risk factors for breast cancer
Age: Your risk for breast cancer goes up the older you get.
Ethnicity: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic women, and more common in African American women under age 45.
Genetics: 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, resulting directly from gene defects.
Family history: First-degree relationships (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer doubles your risk, but 75% of women diagnosed have no family history.
Weight: Overweight or obese women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Dense breasts: Women with dense tissue in their breasts are 1.4x more likely to develop cancer.
High-risk breast screening program
You probably know and monitor important health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. But, do you know your risk for developing breast cancer?
The high-risk breast screening program combines current knowledge about your breast health—screening mammogram, breast self-exam and more—with an in-depth look at your personal health history and that of your family. This information is matched to predictive risk models developed by the American Cancer Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and others. The goal is to help those patients who are identified as high risk to implement risk-reduction and surveillance strategies to enable the earliest diagnosis of breast cancer.
Reasons to schedule a mammogram
# 1
1 in 8
98%
40%
40
1 in 6
The Power of 2 challenge
We want to empower women to take control of their health by making it more convenient for them to schedule mammograms. By getting your mammogram and challenging a friend, you double its impact. That's what we call The Power of 2.
Breast imaging services
Baylor Scott & White Health's breast imaging centers in hospitals and facilities in North and Central Texas provide screening and diagnostic services along with consultation, education and treatment options for breast cancer. Many of our centers are designated by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
- El ultrasonido de mama
- 3D breast ultrasound
- Aspiración del quiste
- Ductograma
- Evaluación del riesgo de cáncer de mama
- Biopsia de mama guiada por imagen
- Biopsia estereotáctica de mama
- Localización de lesiones
- Mamografía (detección y diagnóstico)
- 3D mammography (available at select locations)
- Mamografía digital de campo completo
- Bone density screening (physician's order required, no online scheduling)
Patient education resources
From common breast conditions to imaging tests, we want you to feel informed about your health. Check out the resources available to help you learn more about these topics.
Know your breast health Better
Get a closer look at the tools and technology used by Baylor Scott & White healthcare professionals to detect and diagnose breast cancer and other abnormalities in your breasts.
Mammography overview
Screening mammograms are an excellent tool in the fight against breast cancer. With regular screening mammograms, a great number of breast cancers can be detected early and effectively treated.
Diagnostic mammography
A diagnostic mammogram is performed if you notice a symptom or potential abnormality, like a lump or nipple discharge, in one or both of your breasts.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy
An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a relatively quick, minimally invasive and low-risk procedure to sample a suspicious lesion that is visible by ultrasound within the breast.
Biopsia estereotáctica de mama
This type of needle biopsy that samples tissue from an abnormal area in your breast to determine what caused the abnormality on your mammogram. It is usually recommended when the abnormality cannot be felt and is not visible on an ultrasound.
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive procedure that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create images of breast tissues and blood flow. Breast MRIs sometimes find abnormal areas not seen on mammography or sonogram.
Preguntas frecuentes
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Do I need a doctor's order for a mammogram?
Routine screening mammograms do not require an order from a referring physician. However, if you are having new breast problems, have a recent history of breast cancer or need a follow-up to a previous mammogram, an order is required from your referring physician.
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What are the benefits of mammography?
While mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, they can save lives by detecting breast abnormalities without signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Survival is better than 98% for women whose cancer is found early.
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How old do I have to be to get a mammogram?
The American College of Radiologists and Society of Breast Surgeons recommend women begin their annual breast cancer screenings at age 40.
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How do I prepare for my mammogram?
On the day of your mammogram, please do not use any lotions, powders or deodorant in the underarm or breast area. Because you will have to undress from the waist up, we suggest you wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
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What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
You’ll need to bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance, if applicable. The Affordable Care Act dictates that routine screening mammograms be given without a co-pay or deductible. If this is not your first mammogram, also bring your previous images or have them sent to the facility prior to your appointment for comparison purposes. We can help you with this process if needed.
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Are mammograms painful?
Discomfort during a mammogram varies from patient to patient. Most women, however, tolerate the exam well. The technologist will work with you to try to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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Is there a risk of radiation exposure with a mammogram?
Mammograms do use a small amount of radiation, but special care is taken to make sure it’s the lowest amount possible. For most women, the benefits of mammography outweigh the potential risk of radiation exposure.
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What is 3D mammography?
3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, produces 3D images of your breast tissue in 1 mm slices, allowing for greater visibility of breast tissue. It can be done in conjunction with the traditional 2D mammogram. State law now requires that 3D screenings be covered by insurance in most instances. Please confirm with your insurance company regarding these benefits.
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Am I eligible for 3D mammography?
All women who are eligible for traditional 2D mammograms are also eligible for 3D mammography. Additionally, research has shown that 3D mammography is particularly helpful for women with dense breasts. However, we recommend that you check with your insurance provider to ensure it is covered under your plan.
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When will I get the results of my mammogram?
In most cases, screening mammograms are read within a few hours of your exam. Your results will be provided by email. If an email address is not provided, a paper copy will be mailed to your home.
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What if I am called back after my mammogram?
Screenings are meant to detect abnormalities that might exist. When abnormalities or changes in the appearance of the breast tissue are detected, additional mammography images and/or ultrasound may be required. In most cases, such abnormalities do not indicate breast cancer.