Which Type of Breast Health Screening is Right for You?
Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health.
Read More — Which Type of Breast Health Screening is Right for You?Mammograms
Breast Screening at Renown Women's Health
Because breast health is YOUR health. 1 in 8 women in the U.S. face a breast cancer diagnosis each year. Early detection through annual mammograms significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. At Renown Women’s Health, we provide expert, compassionate care, guiding you through each step of your mammogram. Our advanced 3D technology detects 41% more cancers and reduces false positives, lowering the need for rescreening. Join the thousands of women in northern Nevada getting screened and putting their health first.
We offer mammograms at our four imaging locations in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, providing up to 40 daily appointments with short wait times.
Mammograms Made Easy
Stay on top of your health. Schedule your mammogram online today!
Types of Breast Screenings
New technology and evolving screening guidelines are crucial for women to understand and choose the right screening method for their specific needs. The most common types of screenings available today are:
- 2-D Mammography: In a standard 2-D mammogram, the tech takes X-rays of the breast, compressing it top-to-bottom and side-to-side, providing a2-dimensional view in each direction. These pictures can show the radiologist if there are abnormalities you might not be able to feel.
- 3-D Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography: Renown Health offers cutting-edge 3D Tomosynthesis Mammograms at all locations. This technology creates detailed images by combining multiple X-ray layers, allowing radiologists to view the breast with greater precision. It's great for spotting anything unusual, from cancer to cysts, and decreases the need for additional call-back imaging.
- Whole-Breast Ultrasound: If you have dense breast tissue, this ultrasound is a game-change and uses sound waves—no radiation—to check for breast abnormalities, like ultrasounds for pregnancy. This 20-minute exam is recommended for those with dense breast tissue, improving early detection. It complements, but doesn’t replace, mammograms.
Mammogram FAQs
The 3-D mammography technology at Renown Breast Health Center can detect 41% more cancers and reduces the number of false-positive results compared to other mammography.
Benefits of 3-D mammography:
- Better, clearer images
- It allows radiologists to see more abnormalities in the breast
- It helps doctors spot more cancers and avoid false positives, especially if you have dense breast tissue
- The digital images can also be lightened, darkened, and enlarged in real time, giving radiologists a better look at suspicious areas.
Renown Women's Health recommends the following breast exam guidelines:
- Age 18-39: Consult your primary care provider for a Formal Risk Assessment and start breast exams at age 25.
- Age 40+: Annual mammograms.
- Family History: Begin screening 10 years before your family member's diagnosis age. For example, start at age 35 if a family member was diagnosed at 45.
- Self-awareness: Be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and report any changes to your care provider.
- Age 75+: Annual mammograms if life expectancy exceeds five to seven years.
Although some women experience discomfort during a mammogram, most say it is not painful. Breast compression, which is important to get a clear image, can cause a sensation of pressure, but this lasts for a few seconds. Let your technician know how much pressure you can handle so you're not uncomfortable.
- You can schedule your annual mammogram through MyChart if you are over 40.
- You can also call 775-982-8100 to schedule your mammogram.
- If you are under the age of 40, then you will need a referral from your primary care provider to schedule your mammogram.
Mammogram Related Blogs
Life-Saving Mammograms: Real Women, Real Stories
Renown patients share how early mammogram screenings transformed their lives. From detecting cancer in its earliest stages to celebrating successful recoveries, these stories emphasize the importance of regular screenings and taking charge of breast health.
Read More — Life-Saving Mammograms: Real Women, Real Stories
Why Mammograms are Important for Your Overall Health
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. each year, making early detection crucial in improving the chances of successful treatment.
Read More — Why Mammograms are Important for Your Overall Health