Personalized breast screening in Oklahoma

A mammogram is a breast health screening that uses an X-ray exam to check your breast health. 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, but women who have a family history or an increased risk of breast cancer may need to have a mammogram sooner. 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 on a flat plate on the mammography machine and then each of your breasts will be compressed slowly, one at a time. Your breasts will be repositioned several times to capture X-ray images from different angles for the clearest, most complete 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. The actual compression of each breast takes only a few seconds.

Some women 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 experience  discomfort or pain, ask your technologist to reposition your breast. 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 review the images and send a report to your doctor. You typically get your results around one week after your mammogram.

If you receive an abnormal result, follow-up testing will be needed.  You may also be referred to a breast care specialist or a surgeon at Ascension St. John who specializes in diagnosing breast problems.

Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find resources and financial assistance programs to meet your needs. Your care team can also connect you to a financial counselor.