Women should begin getting an annual screening mammogram at age 40.

Mammography Services at Outpatient Imaging & Specialty Care at Camp Creek  

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used in the early detection of breast cancer. A special machine produces images that are high quality, but have a low radiation dose.  

During a mammogram, your breast is squeezed between two plastic plates that compress the tissue. This compression enhances the sharpness of the image and allows for a lower x-ray dose. While the compression may be uncomfortable, it lasts only a few seconds. The entire mammogram procedure only takes about 20 minutes.  

Screening Mammograms

Women should begin getting an annual screening mammogram at age 40. These screening mammograms, combined with monthly breast self-examination and an annual clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional, are important tools in the fight against breast cancer.  

Screening mammograms are for women who have no symptoms or medical problems with their breasts. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find cancer when it’s still too small to be felt by the woman or her physician. Generally, a screening mammogram consists of two x-ray pictures or views of each breast. Some women may need more pictures to include as much breast tissue as possible.    

Some other things to keep in mind when you’re scheduling your screening mammogram:

• On the day of the examination, don’t wear deodorant or powder that can interfere with the X-ray images.
• If your breasts are tender the week before your period, avoid mammograms at this time.
• The best time to have a mammogram is one week after your period.  

You can call (404) 629-4700 to schedule your appointment.