Breast Health

Health care to complement the overall breast and chest health needs to all patients

Breast health consists of knowing what is normal for your breasts, in order to identify any concerns. Breast health problems can consist of a wide range of symptoms such as a palpable lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, skin dimpling, and more.

These symptoms do not automatically mean breast cancer. There are a wide range of breast conditions that are not cancer, including fibroadenoma, fibrocystic change, ductal/lobular hyperplasia, dense breasts, and more.

Our Breast Health Navigator Program

Our navigation program improves coordination of patient care. Our navigator is able to speak to patients with abnormal mammograms to help them understand what’s happening and next steps to receiving care.

Receiving an abnormal screening mammogram result is common and does not automatically mean you have cancer. It is important for patients to go to follow-up imaging in order to rule it out. If follow-up imaging results are also abnormal, patients will be recommended to get a biopsy, which are often benign. The breast health navigator assists patients in understanding this process, to ensure they get the appropriate follow-up care they need.

Among other tasks, our navigator works closely with patients and with partners at St. Francis Hospital and Swedish Hospital to ensure our patients without insurance receive appropriate care. Both hospitals offer free mammogram programs to established patients without insurance.

Common Questions about Mammograms

What is a mammogram?

Mammograms are a low-dose x-ray of the breast. When receiving a mammogram, you will stand in front of the x-ray machine where a plastic plate will press down your breasts one at a time. Flattening out the breasts allows radiologists to see tissue more clearly in order to find masses or other signs of cancer.

Do mammograms hurt?

Patients have reported that mammograms do not necessarily hurt, but are uncomfortable. However, a mammogram only takes a few moments and the discomfort ends soon. Your breasts will be most sensitive if you are on or about to start your menstrual cycle.

Why are mammograms important?

Mammograms are the only proven method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer by detecting it early. Regular screening mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat.

When do I need to start getting mammograms?

This answer depends on a discussion with your provider. At age 40, you should start talking to your provider about your personal risk and desire to start mammogram screenings. After counseling and if the patient desires, mammograms may be offered once a year or once every 2 years from ages 40-49. Clinical breast exams from your provider may also be offered starting at this age.

From ages 50-74, patients with breasts are recommended to get screening mammograms once a year or once every 2 years. The decision to receive a mammogram once a year or once every 2 years depends on a discussion with your provider after appropriate counseling.

I got an abnormal mammogram result. Does that mean I have breast cancer?

No. Approximately 10% of patients will receive abnormal mammogram results and are asked to come back for additional imaging. This follow-up will typically include a diagnostic mammogram (similar to screening, but more images are taken) and a breast ultrasound.

Patients may be asked to come back for multiple reasons, including: pictures being unclear due to dense breasts, the radiologist sees an area that looks different from the rest of the breast, or the radiologist sees a mass or calcification of the breast.

You will likely be given results the same day as your appointment. If results are normal, you will be told to return to your routine mammogram screenings. If your results are probably normal, you will typically be asked to return in 6 months to watch the area closely. If the radiologist finds follow-up imaging suspicious, patients will be recommended a biopsy. Most biopsies do not show cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to rule it out.

I don't have insurance. Can I still get a mammogram?

Yes! If you are an established patient, you can receive a free mammogram through St Francis Hospital in Evanston or Swedish Hospital. You must get a referral from your provider first, though.