Mammograms and Breast Health
Mammograms are invaluable as they can catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Schedule yours today!
There are key essentials to caring for your breasts — regular care from your physician, self-exams, annual clinical breast exams, and annual mammograms.
Why Should I Do Monthly Self-Exams?
Self-exams allow you to know the texture of your breast tissue: smooth, bubbly, or bumpy like a bag of frozen peas. By performing monthly self-exams, it helps you check for lumps that are unusual for you or for changes in the skin or nipple that you should bring to your health care provider’s attention.
When Should I Get My Mammogram?
For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends:
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year
- Women 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, as long they are in good health
Some women — because of family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors — should get a breast MRI and a mammogram yearly beginning at age 30. This includes women who:
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Have a lifetime risk for breast cancer of about 20 to 25% or greater based on family history
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Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
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Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
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Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30
What Happens When I Get My Mammogram?
A mammogram takes about 20 minutes. While it does briefly compress the breast, technicians try to minimize your discomfort. You're only exposed to a small amount of radiation, typically less than a standard chest x-ray.
A mammogram looks for abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue and ducts. Since it’s a screening tool, it can be used to identify suspicious areas, but not to diagnose breast cancer. If a suspicious spot is found, your health care provider will order additional tests, such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or biopsy.
Breast Health Services at Virtua
Virtua provides the latest preventive, diagnostic, and treatment options to maintain breast health and treat benign breast disease or breast cancer, including:
- Digital and 3D mammograms read by board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists, as well as breast ultrasound and MRI
- Free cancer screening program for those who are under- or uninsured
- Cancer risk assessment and genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancers
- Treatment services including traditional and minimally invasive surgeries for non-cancerous breast lumps or breast cancer
Discovery of a suspicious breast lump or area requires further testing for an accurate diagnosis. The Penn Medicine Virtua Health Cancer Program’s breast navigation service quickly connects you with specialists for next steps and guides you through your care.
Benefits of Mammograms
Mammograms are invaluable — even lifesaving — as they can catch breast cancer early, when it’s most easily treated. A mammogram can detect a lump long before it can be felt during a physical exam, greatly improving your options for treatment.
Virtua Mammography Locations
Virtua offers the latest technology backed by board-certified radiologists at a number of convenient locations throughout South Jersey.
“I implore you to please do your self-exams because without a self-exam, my cancer would not have been detected. So please know your body — know what’s right and what’s not.”
Kristen Davidson
after her self-exam prompted successful treatment for breast cancer
The Virtua Difference for Mammography and Breast Health
Mammogram and Breast Health Care
Our mission is simple: to find any signs of cancer as early as possible. At Virtua, you can expect:
- Personalized, comprehensive experience
- Digital and 3D mammograms
- Precise breast MRIs
- Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Mammogram and Breast Health Care
Our mission is simple: to find any signs of cancer as early as possible. At Virtua, you can expect:
- Personalized, comprehensive experience
- Digital and 3D mammograms
- Precise breast MRIs
- Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Mammograms Quick links
How can we help you?
Could you be at risk for breast cancer?
Our free five-minute risk assessment can help identify risk that may lead to breast cancer.
Schedule your mammogram today
Don’t put off your annual mammogram. You can easily schedule an appointment online today.