Mammography is a medical imaging technique that combines low-dose radiation and high-contrast, high-resolution film. The exam is a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.

The importance of mammograms has recently been reaffirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Cancer Institute as an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death (exceeded by lung cancer in 1985). Breast cancer is three times more common than all gynecologic malignancies combined. The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily from an incidence of 1 in 20 in 1960 to 1 in 8 women today. To learn more about breast cancer and its risk factors, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Current guidelines recommend a baseline, or first, mammogram be scheduled at the age of 35-40. Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss mammography with their physician who may recommend earlier mammograms.

Current guidelines recommend an annual mammogram for women beginning at the age of 40. Minneapolis Radiology will contact you each year to remind you to schedule your annual mammogram.

When you enter the exam room, you will see the mammography unit. A trained mammography technologist will explain the exam to you and answer any questions you may have. The exam consists two views of each breast. For each view, the technologist positions the breast and applies compression with a plastic paddle while x-rays are taken. This compression is required to obtain optimal images. Although this will be slightly uncomfortable, it is necessary to ensure an accurate exam and lasts for a few seconds. Once all views are obtained, the exam is complete.

While mammography is considered a safe examination, you will be exposed to a small amount of radiation, the equivalent of six months of natural background exposure.

Most mammograms are completed in approximately 20-30 minutes.

On the day of the exam, please do not use any lotions, creams, perfumes, powders or deodorant on or around your breast area as these can appear on the image as calcium spots. No other preparation is required.

Following your exam, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging will analyze and interpret the images from your exam and prepare a full report. This report will be sent directly to your physician. In addition, Minneapolis Radiology will send you a letter summarizing the results of your exam. To request a copy of the full report, contact your physician’s office.

Minneapolis Radiology contracts with most major health plans and will submit claims for non-contracted plans as a courtesy for our patients.

When your physician orders a mammogram for you, the physician’s office will typically contact Minneapolis Radiology to schedule your appointment. You may also schedule your own appointment by calling us at (763) 398-4400. Each year, we will contact you to remind you to schedule your annual mammogram.