Breast Health

Preventative Screening Recommendations

The American Cancer Society has developed and adopted the following guidelines for the detection of breast cancer in women without symptoms:

Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether you need a 2D or a low-dose 3D mammogram. A physician's order may, or may not, be required for a mammogram  this may vary. If additional breast imaging is necessary, breast ultrasound, breast MRI or breast biopsy services are also available. You can count on our staff to greet you in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

• Digital mammography or standard 2D mammography has been shown to detect significantly more cancers than film mammography, particularly in women under age 50, women who have dense breast tissue, and pre/postmenopausal women.
• Low dose 3D mammography is an more advanced, clinically proven screening and diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection. 3D mammography equipment generates multiple low-dose images at different angles. This creates a detailed 3D image of the breast tissue, providing greater visibility for the radiologist.
• Breast ultrasounds are used to perform an image-guided overview of the breast and can help pinpoint any areas of concern or diseases that may be present.
• Breast MRI scans are typically given to patients who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer or those with a strong family or personal history. For these patients, the American Cancer Society recommends both a mammogram and an MRI annually, beginning at age 30. For patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, breast MRI gives surgeons and oncologists a clear picture of the extent of the cancer to ensure that proper treatment is delivered. 
• Breast biopsies are performed to obtain a tissue sample from a suspicious area in the breast, so that the cells in the tissue can be evaluated under a microscope. The pathologist then determines what type, if any, disease is present. Frye Regional offers ultrasound, stereotactic (X-ray) and MRI guided breast biopsies.

Talk with your doctor about your family history, areas of concern, and breast cancer risk. You could be a candidate for genetic testing. The sooner any form of breast cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be successful.

What to Expect

• You will be asked to undress from the top and will be given a gown to wear.
• Your mammogram technician will talk you through the entire process and answer your questions so that you know what to expect.
• The screening itself only takes about 15 minutes.
• After your screening, your results will be shared with you and the doctor who referred you to discuss any potential next steps.

3D Mammography FAQs

• What is 3D mammography?

  3D mammography is a type of digital mammography which uses advanced technology to take images of your breast from different angles and combine them to create a more complete and accurate image of your breast than is possible with regular 2D digital mammography.

  3D mammography follows the same basic procedure that you're probably accustomed to with regular 2D digital mammography. 3D lasts just a few seconds longer, slightly extending the time of minor discomfort you may feel and the low-risk radiation exposure involved with all forms of digital mammography. 

• Why are annual mammograms important?

  One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The sooner breast cancer is identified, the easier it is to treat. When it’s detected early, breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of 100%. Mammograms can detect breast cancer even before symptoms appear.

• Who should get a mammogram?

  Annual mammograms are recommended for all women ages 40 and older. If you are younger than 40 but are at high risk for breast cancer based on your family history or health background, you may need to begin screenings at an earlier age. Talk with your doctor about what screening schedule is best for you.

• Why should I get a 3D mammogram?

  The more complete and accurate image of your breast generated by 3D mammography allows us to detect breast cancer earlier and more effectively than traditional 2D mammography, so that we can take action to help you fight.

  3D mammography is particularly effective if you have dense breast tissue or have been given a previous cancer or lesion diagnosis.

  And 3D mammography's higher accuracy means fewer unnecessary return visits to the doctor for false positives that turn out to be non-cancerous.

• What are the benefits of a 3D mammogram?

  3D mammograms provide you and your radiologist with:

  • A more complete, high-quality image of your breast
  • Earlier and more effective detection of breast cancer
  • Lower doses of radiation
  • Digital detection tools that allow for better focus on areas of concern
  • Less breast compression during the exam
  • High accuracy, which can mean less return visits to the doctor for false positives
• What are the benefits of 3D/Tomosynthesis Mammogram?
  • Reduces the chance of call back imaging - When you get a 3D mammogram, our radiologists are able to have a more in depth look at the breast tissue. This can help to determine if tissue is abnormal on the screening mammogram vs having you return for extra imaging as previously needed with 2D mammography. This is not a guarantee as there still may be circumstances where more imaging is needed.
  • Increases the detection of breast cancer at an earlier stage - Due to the advanced technology of 3D mammography and its ability to take images in slices, we can see smaller abnormalities in their beginning stages that are sometimes obscured by dense, thick tissue in the breast when imaged in 2D alone. Earlier detection leads to quicker treatment planning, resulting in higher survival rates.
  • Reduces the number of false-positive imaging results - A false positive is when a mammogram shows an abnormal area that looks like a cancer but turns out to be normal. Ultimately, the news is good: no breast cancer. But the suspicious area usually requires follow-up with your doctor, extra tests, and extra procedures, including a possible biopsy. There are psychological, physical, and economic costs that come with a false positive.
• What are the benefits of a 3D Upright Stereotactic Biopsy?
  • Easier accessibility of areas in the breast for biopsies - Getting this type of biopsy allows you to sit upright comfortably in a chair versus the previous biopsy where you had to lay on a very uncomfortable table. By having you sit in a similar position as you do for your mammogram, we are able to access areas of concern that previously were out of our field of view on the biopsy table. This allows us to successfully complete more biopsies no matter where they are located on the mammogram.
  • Faster procedure times - By being positioned the same way you are for your standard mammogram, it takes less time to find the areas of concern and allows for a quicker biopsy process. That also means less time that the breast is in compression.
  • 3D imaging during the biopsy for higher accuracy of sampling - Our radiologists are able to take images during the biopsy using low dose 3D imaging. This means we always know exactly where our needle is in relationship to our targeted area of breast tissue because we can take very detailed pictures during the biopsy to replicate the mammogram.

  Read more information on the benefits of 3D mammography.

• How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?

  While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk. These steps include:

  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit your alcohol use
  • Get an annual mammogram if you are 40 years or older

My First Mammogram

Many women put off getting their first mammogram because they believe it will be painful or they don't want to know the results. And some just simply think they don't have enough time.

Follow along as Cari gets her first mammogram done. You will find answers to the most common questions women ask when getting their first mammogram, footage of what an actual mammogram is like, and peace of mind knowing you will be in great hands if you have your mammogram done at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas.

Our Locations

Highpoint Imaging for Women with Ascension Saint Thomas
225 Big Station Camp Blvd.
Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 328-6500

Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas
Medical Imaging
158 Hospital Drive
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-5164