Also known as: Mammogram; digital mammography
A mammogram is an X-ray test of the breasts (mammary glands) used to screen for breast problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or a solid mass.
Providence mammography departments use state-of-the-art LORAD M-IV mammography units. In addition, our radiologists use advanced R2 ImageChecker technology to give an immediate, computerized, second reading of each mammogram.
Request a mammogram appointment.
Providence offers care for women who cannot afford it through the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). BCCP helps low-income, uninsured and medically underserved women gain access to lifesaving screening programs for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Each year, approximately 7,000 eligible individuals receive screening services.
Funding for this program is provided by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information and eligibility requirements, please call the BCCP Toll-Free HOTLINE: 877-255-7070.
In addition, Providence Medford Medical Center offers financial support for the cost of mammograms for women who qualify for assistance through The Sister Therese Kohles Fund. Please ask the scheduler for information when making your appointment.
Forms & Information
Breast health experts at Providence Health & Services recognize the importance and complexity of counseling women on breast health and screening recommendations. In November 2009, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued updated guidelines for breast cancer screening. These new recommendations have been met with uneven acceptance from various foundations, professional organizations and breast health providers.
We have reviewed these new recommendations carefully and have engaged a number of concerned providers, physicians and women’s health advocates in order to gain consensus around this important issue. In general, Providence endorses the thorough, professional and evidence-based effort put forth by the USPSTF and recognizes these are difficult issues to analyze.
Following the American Cancer Society guidelines, women are advised to have a screening mammogram every year after their 40th birthday. Most health insurance plans cover mammography expenses. Financial counseling is available for those without insurance.
From the experts
A recent chain email, forwarded by a friend, has me concerned. The email focuses on a recent episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” in which Dr. Mehmet Oz suggested that radiation from mammograms and dental X-rays could be partly responsible for increasing rates of thyroid cancer. According to the email, thyroid guards are available to protect patients during dental and breast imaging, but are not routinely used. My questions: How serious are these thyroid risks? Should I insist on using a thyroid guard when I have dental X-rays and mammograms?
Q: “I am concerned about some discharge from one of my breasts. If I squeeze the nipple, I get a dark greenish fluid. Sometimes it also occurs spontaneously. I mentioned this during my last physical exam, but my mammogram appeared to be OK. Should I do anything else, or just wait for my next mammogram? If it’s nothing to be concerned about, what is causing it?”
Answer from Heidi Nelson, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Providence Women and Children’s Program and Providence Women and Children’s Health Research Center:
If you go to the doctor only when you're sick, you'll miss some powerful opportunities to stay well.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the mammogram procedure.
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