What to Expect from a Modern Mammogram

A New Home for Breast Care at MetroHealth

Today’s breast care is not what you may remember from 5 or 10 years ago. Case in point: MetroHealth’s new Center for Breast Health, which is located inside MetroHealth’s new Outpatient Health Center on its main campus.

The Center for Breast Health offers a comprehensive approach to breast care. Patients have the ability to get their screening mammograms, any necessary follow-up imaging, and evaluation by the breast care team all in one convenient location - and MetroHealth’s Cancer Center is in the same building, too.

“We designed our breast center to feel welcoming and easy to navigate. By bringing our team together in one space, we can provide more connected and personalized care,” says Natalie Joseph, MD, FACS, Director of the Center for Breast Health at MetroHealth.

The Center for Breast Health is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

What to Expect from a Modern Mammogram

With improvements in technology, today’s mammograms have increased accuracy to detect breast cancer compared with older systems. 

How It Works

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray. A technologist places your breast on the machine and gently presses it flat for a few seconds to get a clear picture. You may feel pressure or discomfort for a few seconds while your breast is pressed flat. Tell your technologist if something hurts and they will adjust.

More Accurate

MetroHealth offers 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis) at all screening locations. A 3D mammogram takes pictures from many angles. Your care team can look through breast tissue, one thin layer at a time. This can find more cancers and mean fewer callbacks. There’s no extra cost for 3D mammography.

MetroHealth uses AI as a second set of eyes. It flags areas that need a closer look by a breast imaging specialist, who personally reviews every image.

“We use 3D mammograms to get a clearer view of breast tissue," Dr. Joseph explains. "This helps us find problems earlier and reduces the need for additional testing.”

Faster

Most screening mammograms take less than 30 minutes, start to finish. You can go back to your normal day right away.

How Often to get a Mammogram

When breast cancer is found early, more than 90% of people are alive 5 years later. MetroHealth providers start talking with you about your breast cancer risk at age 25. For most people, they recommend a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.

You may need to start earlier or get extra screening if you have:

• A strong family history of breast cancer
• A gene change, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
• A personal history of breast cancer
• Past radiation treatment to the chest
• Dense breast tissue

If you have a higher risk, your provider may refer you to MetroHealth’s high-risk breast clinic. If you have dense breasts, they may suggest an Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) along with your mammogram.

Screening mammograms are for people without symptoms. If you notice a lump, skin changes, nipple discharge or other breast changes, call your provider, who may recommend diagnostic imaging. Don’t wait for your next screening.

“Knowing your risk early can help you get the right screening at the right time," Dr. Joseph says.

What Happens if My Mammogram Results Aren't Normal?

First, try not to panic. Getting called back is common. Fewer than 1 in 10 people called back for more tests are found to have cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

A callback means your care team wants a closer look. Next steps may include:

• More mammogram pictures of one area
• A breast ultrasound
• A biopsy, which tests a small sample of tissue

If you need care, your breast care team works together in the same building to make a plan with you.

“Getting called back after a mammogram can be stressful, but it does not always mean cancer. Often, we just need a closer look. Our team will explain what comes next and support you every step of the way,” says Dr. Joseph.

Breast Cancer Screening for Everyone in Our Community

Mammograms are available onsite at the following locations:

• Beachwood Health Center
• Broadway Health Center
• Cleveland Heights Medical Center
• Main Campus Medical Center - Outpatient Health Center
• Middleburg Heights November Family Health Center
• West 150th Health & Surgery Center

Mobile screenings are available on a weekly rotation at:

• Bedford Health Center
• Brecksville Health and Surgery Center
• Buckeye Health Center
• Glenville Health Center
• Parma Medical Center

There is also a mobile mammography coach at select Discount Drug Mart locations. Call 216-957-8848 to schedule in Avon Lake, Brunswick Hills, Highland Heights, Independence, Lakewood, Parma or Strongsville.

Ohio law requires most insurance plans to cover one screening mammogram each year, including 3D mammography.

Your Questions Answered

Q. Does a mammogram hurt?

A. You may feel pressure or discomfort for a few seconds while your breast is pressed flat. Most people don’t find it painful. Tell your technologist if something hurts and they will adjust.

Q. How should I get ready for my mammogram?

A. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top. On the day of your exam, skip deodorant, lotion, powder and perfume on your chest and underarms. These can show up on your images.

Q. What does it mean to have dense breasts?

A. Dense breasts have more firm tissue and less fatty tissue. It’s common. Nearly half of people who get mammograms have dense breasts. Dense tissue can make cancer harder to see, so your provider may suggest extra screening. Your results letter will indicate if you have dense breasts.