• About breast cancer
• About mammography
• Additional resources

The Christ Hospital offers five convenient screening mammography testing locations and a comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center for all of your diagnostic testing needs. To schedule an appointment at any of these five convenient locations, call the Scheduling Department at 513-585-2668, contact one of the centers directly at the numbers to the right, or schedule your appointment online. For information about breast cancer treatment, visit our Cancer Center Web site.

About breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women, with more than 180,000 women in the U.S. being diagnosed each year. However, when found early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent. In fact, there are more than two million breast cancer survivors alive in America today.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
• The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer in her life is one in eight.
• The chance of dying from breast cancer is one in 35.
• Early detection and the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis is the best predictor for successful outcomes.
• Early detection is best achieved by:
  • Obtaining yearly mammograms after the age of 40 (earlier if determined by you and your physician),
  • Monthly self breast exams
  • Yearly clinical breast exams (at least every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and yearly after age 40).

Risk factors

• Family or personal history (However, approximately 80 percent of women who get breast cancer do not have a personal or family history of the disease.)
• Advancing age, particularly after the age of 50
• Beginning menstruation before age 12
• Experiencing menopause after age 55
• Never having children or giving birth to your first child after age 30
• Obesity

Symptoms

• New lumps or changes in the size or shape of existing lumps (Learn how to perform a breast self exam)
• Change in the shape or contour of a breast or unusual swelling
• Dimpling, puckering, crusting or rash on the skin, especially around the nipple
• Any discharge from the nipple

 
About mammography

Before your mammogram

• Schedule the test for one week after your period, when your breasts are less tender.
• Make sure your testing center gets your last mammogram if it was done somewhere else. This allows the doctor to compare the two tests.
• Do not use powder or powder deodorant in the underarm area or on your breasts.
• You will be asked to undress from the waist up for the procedure, so it may be more comfortable to wear slacks or a skirt rather than a dress
• If you experience discomfort during mammograms, taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol about one hour before the procedure may help
• Let the technologist know if:
  • You’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • You have breast implants
  • You have any scars or moles on or near your breasts
  • You’ve had a breast biopsy or breast surgery
  • You’re breastfeeding

During your mammogram

What do the results mean?

Your mammogram will be reviewed by one of our radiologists. Your personal physician will receive a report of the findings and a letter will be sent to you stating the results of your exam. Your letter might indicate the need to return for additional breast imaging. Don’t Panic. Although the technologist checks your films for quality before you leave, they do not interpret them. During review, the radiologist may ask for an additional X-ray view to more clearly see the breast tissue. Statistically, approximately 12 – 15 percent of screening mammograms will show abnormalities that require follow-up care. This could be a physician consultation, follow-up mammogram or breast biopsy.

Additional resources:

The Christ Hospital Cancer Center:
www.TheChristHospital.com/cancer

 The Breast Cancer Resource:
www.imaginis.com

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool:
www.cancer.gov/brisktool

National Cancer Institute:
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast

American Cancer Society:
www.cancer.org