The best protection is early detection
While the number of newly diagnosed breast cancers has steadily increased since the 1990s, the number of breast cancer deaths has declined. This is largely because many breast cancers are caught and treated very early- a direct result of mammographic screening. There are different diagnostic tools used to monitor the breast including mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and physical exams; they are not to replace one another but to be used in conjunction with each other.
Our practice follows the American Cancer Society guidelines which strongly recommend yearly mammography, yearly physical exam, and monthly self exam. Other breast monitoring tools, including Breast MRI and Ultrasound, may be recommended by your health care provider based on your personal and family risk factors. You and your breast care physician will determine which tools should be ordered and when.
Please take a look at our Annual Breast Evaluation Procedure recommendations for scheduling your yearly checkups in three easy steps!
All women over the age of 40 should undergo routine annual mammography to screen for breast cancer. Mammography beginning at age 35 may be recommended for women with a strong family history.
A "benign" or “negative” mammogram result does NOT mean you should forgo the physical breast exam. The physical exam detects different types of abnormalities that may not be apparent on mammography and vice versa; thus these two techniques should be used in conjunction with one another for adequate yearly screening.
Digital Mammography: One of the latest advances in breast cancer screening technology is digital mammography, which our physicians now recommend for every patient. With the digital mammogram, patients will not notice a change in how the mammogram is performed. The images are now stored electronically rather than on a film, allowing the images to be easily enhanced and or magnified without the patient having to repeat the study. The digital technology is especially beneficial for younger women with denser breasts since the images are clearer and potential abnormalities are more easily visualized.
Please note: With the advent of the digital mammogram, many patients are being called back for additional imaging after their annual mammogram. Patients should not be alarmed if this occurs. Many times, the differences noted in the mammogram are simply a product of the new technology, but follow up studies are needed to ensure this is the case rather than a new finding.
TIP: Patients having their mammograms at Sibley Memorial Hospital do not need to bring copies of their mammogram films to our office. We have computer monitors in each exam room allowing our physicians immediate access to the digital images.
Screening versus Diagnostic mammograms: There are two types of mammograms: Screening and Diagnostic. Screening mammograms are used for asymptomatic patients to monitor changes in the breast tissue. Diagnostic mammograms are only ordered when a doctor is trying to evaluate a specific problem area. A radiologist must be on hand for a diagnostic mammogram because it is read while the patient is still at the facility so that additional studies can be completed immediately as necessary. Your breast care provider will determine which type of mammogram is appropriate for you based on a variety of factors including personal and family breast cancer history.
Our physicians have a long history of using and performing breast ultrasound. Our physicians may use this technology at your office visit to visualize breast thickening, fibrocystic condition, cysts, and other areas of concern. We can perform minor invasive procedures including breast biopsy and cyst aspiration using ultrasound guidance in our office setting.
This emerging technology has proven to benefit some women, although it isn’t likely to become a standard, widespread screening tool like mammography anytime soon. Studies are not conclusive as to the full range of benefits to asymptomatic patients. One major concern with using breast MRI as a screening tool is the high rate of false-positives. Not only does this cause undue anxiety but can also lead to unnecessary surgical procedures such as biopsy and prophylactic mastectomy. Additionally, the cost of this procedure is much higher than mammography and may not be covered by your insurance company. Based on your symptoms, family risk factors, and personal risk factors, your breast care provider will determine the need and frequency of this study. To read more about the Pros and Cons of Breast MRI technology, please visit the Cure website.
Foxhall Surgical Associates, P.C. strongly encourages patients to perform monthly self exams in addition to a yearly physician-directed exam. Some patients may have more frequent physician-directed exams based on their personal and family risk factors.
Annual Breast Evaluation Procedure:
Foxhall Surgical Associates, P.C. mails out yearly breast health reminder cards as a courtesy. Patients should check with their insurance company to ensure compliance with their annual screening guidelines, but most insurance companies will cover mammograms once per calendar year.
Scheduling your yearly breast health check up involves 3 basic steps:1. Schedule a Mammogram - Patients should call their radiology facility and schedule either a digital diagnostic or digital screening mammogram. If you are unsure which type of mammogram you need, please call our office and we will review your medical record and risk factors and advise you on how to proceed.
IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing ANY type of breast symptom or complaint (i.e. pain, fullness, nodules, discharge, etc) please contact our office immediately for advice on proceeding with your imaging studies.
2. Request a Mammogram Order - Patients must present an order (also called a prescription) at the time of mammogram or the exam may not be performed. Patients should get their mammogram order from the provider who oversees their breast health. Our physicians are happy to write an order/prescription for their patients’ yearly mammogram. Patients should give the office a minimum of 72 hours notice prior to the mammogram to generate an order. Orders are typically faxed to the mammography facility or mailed directly to the patient so the patient can present it at the time of the mammogram. Foxhall Surgical Associates, P.C. has begun implementing a duplicate order fee of $40.00.
IMPORTANT: New patients OR patients who have not been seen in our office in more than 2 years will need to see our physician prior to having their mammogram. An order will be given to the patient at their office visit.
Schedule Physical Examination - Patients should call our office as soon as they have scheduled their mammogram to make an appointment to see their physician. Our physicians want to see their patients within 30 days of their annual mammogram. We recommend at minimum allowing a few days between the mammogram and the breast exam to allow the radiologist time to generate a finalized report. However, we can accommodate same day appointments as the digital images are available immediately from designated facilities (Sibley Memorial Hospital and Fairfax Radiology Associates). Both the mammogram images and report(s) should be available for physician review at the time of your annual visit. For patients utilizing other mammography facilities, films may be requested in advance. Please contact the individual facility for questions regarding their records release procedures.
TIP: Most radiology facilities can schedule your diagnostic studies up to 6 months in advance. Our doctors can book up to 2 months in advance so scheduling earlier gives you greater flexibility in choosing an appointment time.