Services

3D Mammography

Schedule your 3D mammogram today. Call 217-245-9541, ext. 5696 or submit an appointment request using the form below.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and her risks increase with age. Three-quarters of all breast cancers occur in women over 50. 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no special risk factors, which includes no family history.

Mammograms are the most effective tool used to diagnose breast cancer. They are used both in early detection for women experiencing no symptoms and as a diagnostic tool for women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

Annual screening mammography starting at age 40 results in the greatest mortality reduction, the most lives saved, and the most life years gained. That is why the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend regular mammography in women 40 and older.

Before Your Mammogram

Before scheduling a mammogram, discuss any problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use and family or personal history of breast cancer. If you have had previous mammograms at another facility, please inform us so that we may obtain them so that the radiologist is able to use them as comparison to your current exam.

  • Please 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.
  • 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.
  • Avoid coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks for a few days before a mammogram.  Caffeine can cause breast tenderness.
  • If you have breast implants, be sure to communicate that in advance.
  • Always inform your doctor or mammography technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

During Your Mammogram

When you get a mammogram, a technologist will position your breast and apply compression for a few seconds. Some patients feel pressure or discomfort at this time, but technologists can help to minimize this discomfort. You must hold very still and may be asked to hold your breath while the image is being taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. A screening mammogram typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete.

What is 3D Mammography?

Memorial Health System now offers 3D mammography, which produces a sharper, three-dimensional image of breast tissue. This new advancement, when used in combination with traditional 2D mammography, can increase early detection by 40 percent—leading to a 98-percent survival rate.

As in a conventional mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angles. During each compression, multiple images are taken. This additional information helps the radiologist make a more accurate diagnosis. A 3D mammogram requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D mammogram.

After Your Mammogram

A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician. It’s helpful to know at a time like this that Memorial Health System is the best place to come for complete care.

Request a Mammography Appointment

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Date of Last Mammogram
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