Mammograms and Screening Recommendations

To schedule your mammogram, call 216-957-BRST (2778) or schedule through MyChart.

Breast Screening Recommendations 

The breast health specialists at MetroHealth suggest the following screening recommendations to support breast health and early detection of breast cancer: 

AVERAGE Risk Women 

• Screening mammograms starting at age 40
• Screening exams continue every year thereafter as long as you are in reasonably good health 

HIGH Risk Women 

• Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or genetic mutation may benefit from starting screening earlier than age 40 
• Consult physician about when to start mammography & if any additional imaging is needed such as high-risk breast MRI

AGE 75 & Older Women

• Continue to get screening mammograms as long as the patient is in good health and willing/able to tolerate possible interventions
• There is a comparatively high incidence of breast cancer found in this age group 

MetroHealth follows the Screening Recommendations of most major Societies ACR/SBI/ASBrS/ACOG 

Breast Screening Definitions: 

Screening Mammography 

A screening mammogram is an x-ray examination performed on an asymptomatic woman, not suspected of having breast cancer, for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms can often detect breast cancer before it can be felt by you or your doctor. A screening mammogram can show even early signs of cancer. The goal is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms have developed and the cancer has a better treatment outcome. Screening mammograms have a proven 30% reduction in mortality. 

Diagnostic Mammogram 

For women who are experiencing symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge or skin changes. Diagnostic mammograms are also performed after an abnormal screening mammogram to better evaluate a specific area of concern seen on your screening exam. A diagnostic exam often includes additional x-ray views of your breast or a focused ultrasound exam in the areas of concern. Sometimes an MRI may be necessary.

Additionally, you may have a diagnostic mammogram if you have a history of breast cancer and have undergone previous breast therapy. At the end of your diagnostic exam, you will receive same day results of our findings and any recommendations for further intervention or treatment. You may discover that the additional tests showed benign findings and no further testing is needed and you may follow up in one year for your annual screening mammogram.

3D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis)

3D Mammography is an advanced, clinically proven screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection. During the 3D mammography exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over your breast, taking multiple low dose images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue.

The radiologist can scroll through images of your entire breast like pages in a book, for clarity and insight never before possible. The 3D images make it possible for your radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening, significantly improving early breast cancer detection and lowering the need of follow up imaging by up to 40%, which can reduce unnecessary anxiety.

Screening Breast Ultrasound -ABUS, Automated Breast Ultrasound 

Breast ultrasound is considered screening if the patient and her physician have found no areas of concern within the breast. A patient may request a screening ultrasound if her breast tissue is considered dense. (This information can be found in your mammogram report results). 

The State of Ohio passed the Breast Density Inform Act in January 2015 requiring radiologists to inform patients of their breast density with their mammogram results. If your last mammogram at our facility identified your tissue type as dense, we offer automated breast ultrasound screening (ABUS).  Please be aware, ABUS is a covered exam by insurance for women with dense breasts however, fees may be incurred based on your co-pay and deductible plan.