Mammography

Ascension Saint Thomas provides mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer

Breast screening and mammograms in Middle Tennessee

Ascension Saint Thomas provides mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM

About mammograms at Ascension Saint Thomas

Getting regular breast health screenings may help find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Schedule your mammogram today at Ascension Saint Thomas. Early detection can make a difference.

Ascension Saint Thomas breast centers are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The NAPBC recognizes organizations that are dedicated to improving quality of care for women with breast conditions.

Comprehensive breast imaging options

By getting to know you and your health history, we can recommend the breast screening that’s right for you. From simple screening mammograms to advanced 3D mammograms, talk to a doctor about our screening options.

Bone density (DEXA) scans
Breast ultrasound
Diagnostic mammograms
Screening mammograms (Digital 3D mammograms*)

*A 3D mammogram may require an additional fee if your insurance carrier does not cover the full cost. Please check with your carrier to determine if you will be responsible for any of the costs.

Mobile breast screenings in Middle Tennessee

If you’re having trouble affording your mammogram, Ascension Saint Thomas has two mobile mammography units that travel to 26 Middle Tennessee counties to provide 3D screening mammograms. 3D imaging technology for breast cancer screening can be more accurate than 2D imaging, possibly reducing the need for additional unnecessary screening and diagnostic procedures.

Our mobile mammography units are also available to provide screening mammograms to patients with insurance and employers looking to offer health services to their staff.

Learn about mobile mammograms

How to schedule a mammogram

To schedule, you’ll need the following: email address, health insurance, referring doctor (if you don’t have one, please leave the section blank) and basic health information. A referral is not required for a screening mammogram.

Select "schedule a mammogram." You’ll be prompted to “Book an Appointment” on the Ascension St. Vincent scheduling page. Then select “Screening Mammogram.”

Follow the steps on the scheduling page to provide your information and select an appointment location and time. Saturday screening appointments are now available.

Appointment confirmation and details will be sent to the email or phone number you provide.

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM

Frequently asked questions about our breast cancer care services

A mammogram is an X-ray exam of your breast. A mammogram can help find problems with your breasts, such as cysts or cancer.

Start a conversation with your doctor to find out when you should begin having yearly breast screenings. We recommend women get a mammogram every year, beginning at age 40. You may need to have a mammogram sooner if you have risk factors or a family history of breast cancer. Most insurance providers cover a mammogram each year. Check with your insurance provider for more details on your coverage.

You will need to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. The technologist will position your breast to get the clearest test results. Then, each of your breasts will be compressed one at a time. This helps get the most complete X-ray image. Your breasts will be repositioned to get at least two separate views of each breast.

Your time is important, so we make getting a mammogram as convenient as possible. The entire procedure is about 20 minutes. But, the actual breast compression only takes a few seconds for each breast.

You may find the pressure of the plates on your breasts to be uncomfortable. Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually one week after your menstrual period. If you do have discomfort or pain, ask your technologist to reposition you to try to make it as painless as possible. Remember that each X-ray takes just a few moments and could help save your life.

Do not use deodorant, powder or lotions on the day of your mammogram. We also recommended wearing a top that is easy to remove, since you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown.

After your mammogram, a radiologist will read your mammogram and send a report to your doctor. You typically get your results around one week after your mammogram.

Just because something abnormal is found during your mammogram does not always mean there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms or tests done. You may also be referred to a breast care specialist or a surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas — this doesn’t mean you have cancer or need surgery. These doctors specialize in diagnosing breast problems. By doing follow-up tests, we may diagnose breast cancer or find there is no cancer.

Yes. Many women choose to schedule their bone density (DEXA) screening on the same day as their mammogram for convenience. Talk to your doctor to see if a bone density scan is right for you and if it can be coordinated with your mammogram appointment.

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care team can connect you to a financial counselor.

At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.