Breast Health

Breast size is not directly linked to breast cancer risk. However, being overweight or obese is linked to increased cancer risk. Some studies have indicated that tumors may be larger when detected in large breasts. This is believed to be due to the increased difficulty finding small abnormalities in a large amount of screened tissue.

Mammograms are a type of X-ray that use a low dose of radiation to obtain an image. Experts agree that the benefits of mammogram outweigh any negative effects of radiation exposure. Your SSM Health Women’s Health provider is available to speak with you about the benefits versus risks of receiving a mammogram.

Yes, males account for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. If a male notices a lump within their chest tissue, it is important for them to get a mammogram. Even though they have less tissue, a mammogram screening can still be done with little discomfort.

A monthly breast self-exam is recommended to check for any changes or areas of concern. Menstruating women should perform this a few days after your period ends. Other women should choose a day that’s easy to remember, like the first day of the month.

• Lie Down: Lie on your back with your right arm behind your head. This helps spread your breast tissue evenly.
• Use Your Fingers: Use the three middle fingers of your left hand to check your right breast. Make small, overlapping circles.
• Use varying amounts of pressure: Use light pressure for tissue just under the skin and medium pressure for deeper tissue. Use firm pressure for tissue closest to your chest.
• Follow a Pattern: Move your fingers up and down from your collarbone to your ribs to cover the whole breast.
• Switch sides: Use your right hand to check your left breast the same way.
• Look in the mirror: Stand with your hands on your hips and look for changes in shape, size, or skin.
• Check underarms: Raise one arm and feel under your armpit for lumps. Repeat on the other side.

If you have questions or concerns about performing a breast self-exam, contact your SSM Health Women’s Health provider.

Depending on location, it can take up to several days for a radiologist to evaluate a screening mammogram and report the findings to your doctor. You will receive a notification in MyChart or a call from your physician. Results are usually available on MyChart the same day for a diagnostic mammogram.

If you’ve had mammograms elsewhere, inform the SSM Health scheduler so prior exams can be obtained before your appointment. Delays might occur when comparisons aren’t available.

For patients with insurance, screening mammography is considered a “covered service” and there is no out- of-pocket cost. For uninsured or under-insured patients, SSM Health can help provide this potentially life-saving service at a reduced cost or free of charge.

For most diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds, you may have an out-of-pocket cost that will vary by insurance. To receive an estimate on your out-of-pocket cost, find your testing location and use our price transparency tool in MyChart.

Mammography is particularly effective at detecting invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which represents 80% of invasive breast tumors, and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Both of these tumors are visible early on. More diffuse tumors, such as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), can be harder to spot on a screening mammogram.

Only about 10% of abnormalities spotted on a screening mammogram are actually diagnosed as cancerous. Women with dense breasts or cysts are often called back when findings are inconclusive or suspicious. This is referred to as a false positive. Subsequent testing will be used to get an accurate diagnosis.

Your mammogram is like a fingerprint – completely unique to you. The first one serves as a baseline, allowing your health care providers to track changes and compare results over time.

If you’ve had mammograms elsewhere, inform the SSM Health scheduler so prior images can be obtained before your appointment. These will be used to better understand your breast structure and identify any changes. Delays might occur when comparisons aren’t available.