Mammography

A mammogram (X-ray examination of the breast) can detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints.

Even if you are extremely familiar with the way your breasts feel as they change throughout your menstrual cycle, there’s only so much you can detect by touch. Today’s high-quality screening mammography is the most effective tool available to physicians in detecting breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms of cancer appear.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (other than skin cancer). It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Early detection of breast cancer not only helps provide a woman with more options, but also increases the possibility of a favorable prognosis.

Mammography at Mee Memorial Healthcare System is certified by the FDA and accredited by the State of California and the American College of Radiology.

Our FUJIFILM ASPIRE Cristalle Mammography Unit

Mee Memorial Hospital now uses the FUJIFILM ASPIRE Cristalle digital mammography system, a state-of-the-art unit designed to provide high-quality breast images with enhanced patient comfort.

Key benefits for patients:

1. Comfort-Focused Design

Comfort Paddle technology: Distributes pressure evenly across the breast during compression, reducing discomfort without compromising image quality.
Ergonomic positioning: Technologists can easily adjust the unit for each patient, making the exam faster and more comfortable.

2. Advanced Imaging for Accurate Detection

3D Mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis): Produces thin “slice-by-slice” images of the breast, allowing radiologists to detect small abnormalities that might be missed on standard 2D mammograms.
High-resolution imaging: Captures clear and detailed images to improve early detection of breast cancer.
Synthesized 2D images (S-View): Combines 3D image data to produce a clear 2D image, reducing the need for additional exposures.

3. Safer Exams with Lower Radiation

Advanced detector technology allows high-quality images at a lower radiation dose, maintaining safety while providing exceptional detail.

4. Faster, More Efficient Exams

Images are displayed quickly for radiologists to review, minimizing the time each patient spends under compression.
Technologists have advanced tools at the workstation to optimize image quality and workflow.

5. Support for Diverse Patient Needs

Can accommodate different breast sizes and body types comfortably.
Designed for smooth exams with minimal repositioning, helping patients feel at ease.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Any woman may develop breast cancer. However, the following risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Risk factors that cannot be changed

Gender (breast cancer occurs nearly 100 times more often in women than in men)
Race
- Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian women have a lower risk of getting breast cancer
- White women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer
Aging (a majority of cases occur after age 50)
Personal history of breast cancer
Previous breast irradiation
Family history and genetic factors (having a close relative, such as a mother or sister, with breast cancer increases the risk)
Benign breast disease
Previous breast biopsy in which the tissue showed atypical hyperplasia
Menstrual periods that began early in life
Menopause that began later in life

Lifestyle-related risk factors

Smoking
Not having children, or first child after age 30
Oral contraceptives
Obesity and a high-fat diet
Physical inactivity
Alcohol
Long-term, post-menopausal use of combined estrogen and progestin (HRT)
Weight gain and obesity after menopause

Environmental risk factors

Exposure to pesticides or other chemicals is currently being examined as a possible risk factor

American Cancer Society (ACS) Guidelines for Early Breast Cancer Detection

These guidelines are for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. If you have symptoms or signs, see your physician. Keep in mind that the sooner a problem is detected, the greater your choices in treatment options.

Medicare and most private insurance carriers cover all or part of the cost for mammography. In addition, Mee offers special programs and lower fees during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For low-income women, mammograms are covered through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). There is also a program to help pay for breast cancer treatment for women in need. To learn more about these programs, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 888-842-6355.

From www.komen.org with permission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Early detection is the key to successfully treating breast cancer. As part of the three-step breast health approach, Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends that beginning by age 20, women become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts through monthly breast self-examination (BSE).

Komen for the Cure offers a variety of BSE cards in English and Spanish you can download. You can also order a free BSE card. Please include your name and complete address. Here are some useful documents:

General Breast Self-Examination
Breast Self Examination for African American Women
Breast Cancer: Your Guide to Breast Self-Awareness (video)

NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Do you qualify for a free breast exam and mammogram?

You may if you:

Are at least 40 years old
Have low income
Have medical insurance that does not cover these services
Have a high insurance deductible or co-payment
Are not getting these services through Medi-Cal or another government-sponsored program
Live in California