Mammograms

What is Mammography?

A mammogram is a breast x-ray that is used to find breast cancer that is too small for you or your doctor to detect. A mammogram is the most effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Early detection of breast cancer has been found to increase chances of recovery from Breast Cancer. A woman's need for a mammogram increases with age. All women over the age of 40 should have a clinical breast exam and mammogram once a year. Women with a higher chance of breast cancer because of heredity and other factors may be screened before age 40 or more frequently. Ask your doctor about your risk factors.

UF Health Imaging – Flagler Hospital offers Digital Mammography and 3D Mammograms, which captures images of the breast using low doses of radiation. Because we are committed to providing the earliest possible detection of breast cancer, UF Health Imaging – Flagler Hospital offers computer aided analysis with mammography. The iCAD diagnostic system with Second Look software is a highly sophisticated diagnostic tool used in conjunction with mammography for early detection of breast cancer. The benefits of CAD technology are significant in identifying breast tissue patterns consistent with potentially cancerous lesions at an earlier stage.

How do I prepare for my Mammogram?

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.

When making your appointment, please notify the scheduler if you have implants or large breasts, or if you are unable to stand on your own, so that additional time can be allotted for your exam. Please do not use perfume, powder, or deodorant on the day of your exam. If you forget, wipes will be provided to remove them.

If possible, obtain prior mammograms from another facility and drop them off to us ahead of time. This will allow us to scan them into our system before your appointment.

Are you coming in for a mammogram? You can expedite the process by downloading the form below, filling it out and bringing it with you to your appointment. Download mammography worksheet here.

What will I experience before and during my Mammogram?

You will be greeted at the front desk and then led into a special mammography suite by one of our mammogram volunteers. Here you will change into a gown and be asked to fill out some basic health questions. A licensed mammography technologist will perform your exam. Your breast will be placed on a special platform on the mammography unit and compressed with a clear plastic paddle.

The exam takes about fifteen minutes to half an hour, depending on the number of images needed. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as less compression will be used. A diagnostic mammogram or a breast with implants may take longer as it requires more images and different angles to rule out any abnormalities.

What about the results?

A Radiologist, a physician with expertise in supervising and interpreting radiology examinations, will view the images and send a report to your physician, who will discuss the results with you.

What if I have to cancel an appointment?

Be sure to contact us at 904-819-4707 or 904-819-4720 if, for any reason, you cannot keep your appointment. We will help you reschedule to a more convenient time.