Mammography at Lakewood Health System

Gone are the days of dread and discomfort. With our new 3D technology, you’ll experience:

• SmartCurve® Comfort: A curved compression surface that mirrors the natural shape of the breast, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing pinching. In clinical studies, 93% of women reported improved comfort compared to traditional compression.
• Shorter Compression Time: Faster image capture means less time under pressure—without compromising quality.

• Increased Accuracy
• Genius 3D captures dozens of thin images from different angles, reducing tissue overlap and allowing our radiologists to detect breast cancers with greater precision—even in women with dense breast tissue.
• Fewer False Alarms
• With up to 40% fewer unnecessary callbacks, 3D mammography helps reduce the anxiety and disruption caused by inconclusive results.
• Earlier Detection of Invasive Cancers
• 3D exams are proven to find 20–65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammograms.

The decision about when and how often to get a mammogram is a personal choice you should make after talking with your medical provider.

A mammogram is recommended annually for women starting at age 40 and then every two years from ages 50-74. Women at high risk for breast cancer should begin screening earlier. Your provider can help you decide when and how often you should get screened. No matter what age you are, by doing a regular breast exam, you may be able to notice a variety of changes in the composition of your breasts, breast tissue or surrounding breast area including:

• A lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling or warmth in part of the breast
• Changes in the size or shape
• Skin irritation, redness or dimpling/puckering of the skin
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Lump in the underarm area
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

• If you have a primary care provider outside of Lakewood, we need a referral from them before scheduling a mammogram.

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that, prior to scheduling a mammogram you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your physician. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

• Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.

• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.

• Obtain prior mammograms if they were performed at another facility, and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.

• Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.

According to the American Cancer Society, early detection exams for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year. If everyone took advantage of these tests, thousands more could be saved.