Ascension River District Hospital Mammography provides the most advanced digital options, personalized for each patient. We are proud to be a member of the Ascension Michigan Breast Care Program which is NAPBC and American College of Radiology accredited. The Ascension breast care team will surround you with support and provide you with unparalleled breast cancer care by listening to understand your needs.
We are conveniently located in Ascension River District Hospital on River Road just south of Puttygut Road. Enter through the Emergency Department Entrance (unless instructed differently) which faces M-29 (River Rd.) We serve the St. Clair River towns and their surrounding communities.
For your convenience, you can schedule your mammogram on-line. Before you make your appointment, please make sure you have your mammogram referral from your doctor and bring it to your appointment. Mammogram results will be mailed to you and shared with your referring doctor.
Our services
Ascension River District Hospital Mammography provides the best in breast care and breast cancer detection using advanced digital mammography options personalized to your needs. We have access to on-site radiology support, and we provide multiple breast screening options, including:
•3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): When used as a screening tool, this 3-D imaging technology increases the overall detection of breast cancer and reduces the recall rate for screenings – which is a very important issue. Tomosynthesis (Tomo) is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools for the early detection of breast cancer. Tomo technology screening improves the chances of finding cancers in dense breast tissue.
• 2D Digital Mammography: Two-dimensional (2D) digital mammography is a safe, low-dose x-ray exam which produces high quality breats images. The digital image can be enhanced and magnified for optimal evaluation.
• Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the breast. Ultrasound images may be called sonograms. Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive test. It is compliment and aids in diagnosing benign and malignant disease.
• Bone density tests, called a DEXA scan, is performed to evaluate patients to find and treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures and/or disability.
• 3D biopsy/stereotactic biopsy is a type of biopsy to aid in the pathological diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tissue cells. Using the mammography machine, a radiologist uses two images of the breast tissue for the testing sample. A stereotactic breast biopsy can help physicians to analyze tissue samples to understand the health of the breast better.
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a mass and remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. It is less invasive than surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. This type of biopsy aids in the pathological diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tissue cells.
As a member of the Ascension Michigan Breast Care Program, we follow the guidelines set forth by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society (ACS):
• Annual Screening Mammography: Starting at age 40 and continuing yearly as long as a woman is in good health
• Clinical Breast Exam: Starting at age 20 every 3 years and annually starting at age 40
• Breast Self Exam: Monthly starting at age 20
• Get a physician referral
Know your family health history - You have your grandmother's eyes, your father's nose, and your mother's quick wit. But will you also get Aunt Linda's cancer and Grandpa's heart disease? A family health history can help you assess your risk—and take action to prevent diseases you're prone to developing.
Perform a monthly breast self-exam - Perform a breast self-exam every month after age 20. If you are not sure how, visit www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer or you can request a guide about "How to Prevent and Detect Cancer."
Because We Care - If you are a woman under or uninsured and need a mammogram, the Ascension Michigan Breast Care Program may be able to help through our Because We Care Program. For more information, call our Hope Line at 866-246-4673. Or, if you would like to donate to the Because We Care Program, call the Ascension St John Hospital Foundation at 313-343-7480.
T.E.A.M. Pink – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October. At that time, Ascension Michigan encourages you to join T.E.A.M. Pink and share an inspirational story about your own battle with breast cancer or how a breast cancer survivor has inspired you in an effort to honor all who so courageously battle this disease. Also, by joining T.E.A.M. Pink you can help spread the word about breast cancer prevention, support the fight against breast cancer and honor those you know and love who have been affected by this disease. Join us!
