Mammogram Screening at Beebe
Beebe Healthcare offers a broad range of health services for women, including mammograms. Mammograms are the most common type of breast cancer screening test. Learn more about Beebe’s breast imaging services and the importance of mammograms.
Call 302-645-3278 to schedule your mammogram with Beebe.
What Is A Mammogram?
A mammogram is a non-invasive X-ray used to check for signs of breast cancer and other abnormalities. Radiologists review mammograms to look for changes in breasts, such as calcifications or masses. Such changes may or may not be caused by breast cancer.
If abnormalities or changes are detected, your doctor will likely request a follow-up appointment for additional imaging tests. This usually includes a diagnostic mammogram. Learn more about Beebe's imaging services for information about scheduling a mammogram
Why Are Mammograms Important?
A mammogram is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths.
Mammograms can detect cancer early — when most treatable — long before it can be felt by a doctor. This improves odds of survival and can help avoid more extensive treatment.
"If you are a woman between the ages of 40 and 70, you should have a mammogram every year," said Dr. Diana Dickson-Witmer.
Beebe's Breast Health program offers individualized treatment with the support of Medical, Radiation and Surgical Oncologists, clinical coordinators, care providers, and Breast Health Nurse Navigators who are with you during your entire journey.
What Is The Recommended Age for Mammogram?
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. By not getting annual mammograms starting at age 40, you increase your chances of dying from breast cancer and the likelihood that you will experience more extensive treatment for any cancers found. Learn more about breast cancer screening guidelines.
Types of Mammograms Beebe Offers
Women with no symptoms or average risk have two options for digital mammograms: 2D mammograms (conventional digital mammography) and 3D mammograms (breast tomosynthesis). 3D mammograms are a more advanced form of breast imaging and they are what is most commonly used and prescribed today. 2D mammograms or traditional mammograms are still used today for screening mammograms if the person being screened has no other risk factors.
3D mammography technology takes multiple images of breast tissue using a low-dose scan. The technology improves our radiologists’ ability to see abnormalities in dense breast tissue and reduces the number of return visits.
3D mammography provides the greatest benefit to women with very dense breasts, who may be more likely to develop breast cancer, and those with a higher risk due to family history.
This advance in comprehensive breast care is part of Beebe Healthcare's Breast Health Program, the only one in Delaware to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.
Annual screening mammograms are a key part of maintaining your breast health. Your gynecologist or primary care provider can refer you to one of Beebe’s imaging centers for your mammogram. We have six convenient locations throughout Sussex County, including locations at our Lewes and Rehoboth campuses.
Schedule your mammogram today with your doctor's order by calling 302-645-3278.
What could be found during a Mammogram?
During your mammogram, a nurse will guide you through the process and explain how to stand during the imaging test. Following the mammogram, you will be able to go home. A radiologist will review your images from the mammogram to determine if anything else is needed.
If there is something found in a mammogram, your doctor will call you. In some cases, an ultrasound will then be done for you. In other cases, your doctor might ask for a biopsy to be done. A biopsy allows a small sample of tissue from the area found in the mammogram to be removed so it can be tested for cancerous cells. Your doctor and healthcare team will guide you through these tests. Visit our Imaging page for more information on scheduling an ultrasound.
If it is determined that you have breast cancer, your team at Beebe Healthcare will be with you every step of the way. Beebe Nurse Navigators will contact you to answer your questions and explain what will happen next. In addition, if surgery is suggested, your Surgical Oncology team will meet with you and make sure you know everything you need to know. Radiation might also be recommended, depending on your situation. In this case, the Oncology Radiation team and your Medical Oncologist will work with you to help guide you through the process and treatment plan.
