Breast health screenings

Every day, we learn more about breast cancer and how to treat it. The earlier cancer is discovered and treated, the better your chances of survival.

Mammograms are the only test proven to decrease the chances of dying from breast cancer. Also, identifying your personal risk factors through our comprehensive and confidential risk assessment can help you take steps to reduce your risks of developing breast or other types of women’s cancer.

We use state-of-the-art technology at Goshen Retreat Women’s Health Center. Our breast tomosynthesis procedure offers advantages over traditional mammography allowing physicians a more complete 3-dimensional image of the breast.

The facts about early detection

If breast cancer is detected before it spreads, the five-year survival rate jumps to 99 percent (according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation). And studies have shown that women between the ages of 50 and 69 who have regular mammograms may reduce their risk of death from breast cancer by one-third.

In a screening mammogram, we take two X-ray pictures of each breast. This imaging test can identify abnormalities, such as very small lumps, areas of calcification or other changes in the breast. Mammography can discover a lump up to two years before it can be felt.

Make mammograms part of your routine

The American College of Radiology recommends mammograms once a year for women over the age of 40 and women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer.

Beyond regular screenings, a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment can help head off breast cancer before it becomes a threat – especially if you have no family history of the disease.

If you have an abnormal screening mammogram or detected lump, we may suggest a diagnostic mammogram as a follow-up procedure. Although the procedure is similar for both types of mammograms, a diagnostic test produces more images for greater clarification. Breast MRIs can be used in addition to a mammogram for women who are at a high risk for developing breast cancer.

We offer convenient appointment times for mammograms, including early morning, evening and some Saturday hours. You may walk in without an appointment for a first-available time. Mammogram appointments usually take about 30 minutes.

How mammograms work

Mammography is the process of taking an X-ray picture of the breast. A mammogram is the X-ray image itself. During a mammogram, the breast is gently pressed between two plates to flatten and spread the tissue. The pressure lasts only for a few seconds. And although this may cause some pain for a moment, it is needed for a good picture. Mammograms are safe, exposing the patient to only a minimum amount of radiation. At Goshen Retreat Women's Health Center, we offer screening and diagnostic mammography through breast tomosynthesis.

Breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, improves the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds. This type of imaging provides a clearer, more accurate view of the breast.

Breast tomosynthesis can offer better cancer detection, fewer call backs and greater peace of mind. It is our standard protocol for all screening mammograms.

Screening mammogram

A screening mammogram is performed when a woman has no symptoms. Two X-rays are taken of each breast. If a woman has breast implants, typically four X-rays are taken of each breast to assess the breast tissue and implant itself.

Screening mammograms can help detect types of breast changes, such as a mass or breast tissue thickening. They are the only test proven to decrease the chances of dying from breast cancer. In fact, the earlier the disease is discovered and treated, the better your chance of survival.

The American College of Radiology recommends mammograms once a year for women over the age of 40 and women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammogram

If a screening mammogram detects something suspicious, or a woman has a symptom such as a lump, a diagnostic mammogram is often recommended.

At Goshen Retreat Women's Health Center, every diagnostic mammogram is read by a radiologist right after it is performed. This allows our patients to receive immediate feedback from an on-duty radiologist and helps reduce patient anxiety.

If you have an abnormal diagnostic mammogram or detected lump, an ultrasound exam may also be suggested as a follow-up procedure. Breast MRI can also be used in addition to a mammogram for women who are at a high risk for developing breast cancer.

Working together for you

At Goshen Retreat Women's Health Center, we understand the concerns that go along with an abnormal mammogram or a diagnosis of breast cancer. That’s why we provide everything necessary right here to help you make your way through the diagnostic testing, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care — and beyond.

We believe the key to treating you with the best possible care hinges on the ability to make the most accurate diagnosis and to make it in a timely manner. Working in conjunction with Goshen Center for Cancer Care, our fellowship trained physicians collaborate with one another and integrate their skills and expertise to quickly and clearly define your disease and determine your individual treatment plan. It’s an approach that offers greater hope for healing as we focus not only on treating your cancer but also on treating you as a whole person.

We can help

At the Retreat we offer convenient appointment times for mammograms, including some early morning hours. You do not need a physician's referral for a screening mammogram and mammogram appointments usually take about 30 minutes.

Financial assistance for screening mammograms is available for income eligible, medically underserved women.

For specific hours or to schedule your mammogram, please call (574) 364-4600.