If you are not experiencing breast symptoms and/or problems, the guidelines of the American College of Radiology provide that you should begin having screening mammograms at 40 years of age, or earlier, if you are at high risk – such as having a family history of breast cancer.

The Society of Breast Imaging developed this website to help end the confusion around when and how often women should get mammography screening. It’s an excellent resource for women to get clear and accurate information on mammography screening.

Yes. It is important that the annual screening mammogram be scheduled at least a year and a day after your last screening mammogram unless you are experiencing breast related symptoms.

Yearly screening mammograms may continue as long as you are healthy. This recommendation is supported by the guidelines of the American Cancer Society, the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Radiology. With respect to older women, the American Cancer Society recommends that after age 55 a woman should be given the choice of a screening mammogram every year or every 2 years.

Today’s high quality screening mammograms are the most effective tool available to detect breast cancer before lumps can be felt or other symptoms appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only provides a woman with more treatment options, but it also increases the chance of having the best possible clinical outcome.

Please feel free to discuss this issue with a Breast Center of Acadiana mammography technologist (this is the individual who will perform the screening mammogram). However, rest assured that special care is taken to use the least amount of radiation possible. Today’s technology uses much less radiation than earlier generation mammogram machines.

You should not have a mammogram if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

You may call our office at 337-504-5000 to schedule your appointment. Or you may request an appointment online through our website. (https://breastcenterofacadiana.com/patient-resources/request-appointment/)

Yes. It is required that you obtain a written order for the screening mammogram from your treating physician.

Yes. While your treating physician may fax us an order; we strongly recommend that you bring the provider’s order with you on the day of your appointment. If you do not obtain and/or bring a written order on the day of the appointment it may cause your test to be postponed and interfere with the Breast Center of Acadiana’s busy daily schedule.

Approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

On the day of the screening mammogram do not use deodorant, powder or lotions. These substances can mimic the appearance of cancer and require the study to be repeated. You should wear a 2-piece outfit so you’ll only need to remove your top. Our technician will give you a robe to wear. If you have tender breasts, it may be helpful to schedule one week after your menstrual period.

You will receive the results of your screening mammogram by mail within 2 weeks. A copy of your results will also be sent to your ordering healthcare provider.

The results of any follow-up test(s) will be communicated to you on the same day the test(s) were performed.

3-D mammography takes multiple images, or X-rays, of breast tissue to recreate a 3-D picture of the breast. It’s different from digital mammography in that digital mammography obtains just a single image. Images from both technologies are read on a computer.

A yearly screening mammogram is a preventative procedure which is performed annually, depending on age, in cases where a patient has not exhibited breast-related symptoms or problems. A diagnostic mammogram is used when a patient is experiencing breast-related symptoms or problems or when screening indicates the need for a more detailed evaluation of the breast.

The mammogram may detect calcifications which could be an early sign of breast cancer. This may not be seen on the ultrasound.

Dense breasts have less fatty tissue and more non-fatty tissue compared to breasts that aren’t dense. Dense breasts have more gland tissue that makes and drains milk and supportive tissue (also called stroma) that surrounds the gland. Research has shown that dense breasts can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer. Please click here for more information on dense breast tissue.

You should promptly contact your primary or other treating physician to evaluate the symptom or problem. Your physician will determine what, if any, breast imaging services should be provided and issue an appropriate written order. Alternatively, you may contact our diagnostic scheduling team at 337-456-7487 to schedule a diagnostic imaging appointment.

You may have normal monthly cyclic changes that affect your breasts. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a couple of monthly cycles, it is recommended that an office visit with a physician be scheduled to conduct a breast examination. Upon the completion of the breast examination, the physician may issue written order(s) for further testing. Alternatively, you may contact our diagnostic scheduling team at 337-456-7487 to schedule a diagnostic imaging appointment.

Most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, will pay for a yearly screening mammogram for women over 40 years of age as part of the insured individual’s wellness program.

All other services we provide are generally subject to the insurance company’s deductible, co-insurance and/or co-payment requirements. Patients are required to pay their out-of-pocket financial responsibilities at the time they receive services.

If a patient does not have insurance coverage, the Breast Center of Acadiana offers extremely competitive cash pay pricing options.

Yes, you can pay your bill safely and securely through the bill pay page on this website. https://breastcenterofacadiana.com/bill-pay/

If a patient has a prior balance due to the Breast Center of Acadiana, we expect it to be paid before additional services are provided to the patient. Please call 337-456-7488 if you have additional financial or billing-related questions.