Mammogram

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray test that can show changes or irregularities in your breast tissue. At UCI Health, we use 3D mammogram, which detects breast cancer earlier and with greater accuracy.

Our approach to mammograms

Mammograms can detect breast abnormalities up to two years before you feel any physical signs (like a breast lump). That means getting a mammogram every year is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages and save more lives. 

Most early-stage breast cancers are quite curable. That’s why our breast cancer screening program focuses on early detection. 

Detecting breast cancer early with a mammogram often leads to:

• More options for your breast cancer treatment 
• Less invasive treatments, including breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or avoiding chemotherapy
• Better outcomes

3D mammograms 

At UCI Health, we use 3D mammogram, also known as tomosynthesis. Studies show these benefits of 3D mammograms:

• A 30% increase in early detection of all breast cancers.
• A 40% increase in detecting invasive breast cancers early.
• Improved ability to detect breast cancer if you have dense breast tissue. 
• Improved ability to detect breast changes with greater accuracy. This results in 15% fewer false alarms, mammogram callbacks for additional screening and unnecessary biopsies.

Know your risk factors for breast cancer

At UCI Health, we help you understand your risk factors for breast cancer. 

During your screening mammogram, your technologist will ask you questions about: 

• Your family history
• Your health history
• Whether you take or have taken hormone replacement therapy 
• Your ethnicity

We’ll also factor in whether you have dense breast tissue. 

We then put this all together to determine your personal risk score. From there, we’ll discuss breast cancer screening recommendations tailored to your needs. 

When should I get a mammogram?

We recommend having an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40, when your risk for developing breast cancer increases. 

Your doctor may recommend a mammogram before the age of 40 if:

• You have a family history of breast cancer.
• You have a genetic risk factor, like a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which is linked to breast cancer.

At UCI Health, we recommend that you get a mammogram every year. And you should continue getting them for as long as you are healthy — even if you are 75 or older. 

Types of mammograms

At UCI Health, we offer two types of mammograms:

• Screening mammogram: This preventive exam can detect breast cancer before you see or feel any physical signs like a breast lump. 
• Diagnostic mammogram: This looks more closely at specific parts of your breast tissue that appear suspicious on a screening mammogram. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of breast cancer, like a breast lump or breast pain. 

What to expect with your mammogram

Here is what you can expect during your mammogram at UCI Health:

• Your radiology technologist will position your breasts, one at a time, between two panels of the mammogram machine. 
• These panels will slowly compress your breast to ensure it can capture clear views of the whole breast.
• Your technologist will ask you to momentarily hold your breath. Then, the machine will gather a series of images of each breast from multiple angles.
• Your technologist will likely reposition you a couple times to ensure they get all the images needed. 
• The entire mammogram process takes about 30 minutes.

Does a mammogram hurt?

Your UCI Health technologist will work with you to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your mammogram. Because a mammogram compresses your breasts you may experience:

• Some discomfort or mild pain during the compressions, which last about 30 seconds
• Breast soreness or tenderness after your mammogram

Why choose UCI Health for mammograms?

Specialized breast imaging skills

It makes a difference who examines your mammogram images. Our team of dedicated radiologists all have advanced training and solely examine breast imaging. This means we are highly experienced in detecting even the most subtle breast irregularities that may otherwise be missed.

Quick, convenient mammogram appointments

We make it as easy as possible for you to get your annual mammogram. You don’t need a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram. And you can simply schedule an appointment online. You can typically get in for a screening mammogram within a week at one of our three locations.

The highest quality screening

Our breast imaging centers are designated as Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers by the American College of Radiology. This recognizes our team’s experience, our advanced technology and the high quality of our images. All of this means you can be confident that you receive the most accurate breast cancer screening available.

Team approach

If your mammogram detects breast cancer, we’ll connect you with our expert breast cancer care team, typically within 48 hours. Our breast centers bring together our breast imaging specialists, medical oncologists and breast surgeons — all in one convenient location. They’ll work with you and each other to tailor a breast cancer treatment plan just for you.