Lisa Bellin, MD of Ascension Saint Thomas, talks with a patient.

Personalized breast screening in Tennessee

Care teams at Ascension Saint Thomas in Middle Tennessee provide mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer.
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Routine breast health screenings may help find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Schedule your mammogram today at Ascension Saint Thomas. Early detection can make a difference.

Our 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.

If you are 40 or older, a conversation about breast screening should be part of your annual wellness visit, and women with a family history or an increased risk of breast cancer may be asked to get screened at an earlier age. Ascension Saint Thomas has comprehensive, dedicated high-risk breast cancer clinics and genetic counseling services to help you and your doctor better understand your breast health.

Comprehensive breast imaging options

By getting to know you and your health history, your doctor can recommend the breast screening that’s right for you. Our screening options include:

  • Screening mammograms
  • Diagnostic mammograms
  • Digital 3D mammography*
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Breast MRI

*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 at Ascension Saint Thomas

If you are 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, possibly reducing the need for additional unnecessary screening and diagnostic procedures. The mobile mammography units are also available to provide screening mammograms to patients with insurance and employers looking to provide health services to their staff.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY CALENDAR

How to schedule a mammogram

To schedule a mammogram, you’ll need to know your email address, health insurance and a referring doctor and your basic health information. If you don’t have a referring doctor, please leave the section blank.

Step 1

Select "schedule a mammogram" below. You will be prompted to “Book an Appointment” on Ascension Saint Thomas scheduling page, then select “Screening Mammogram.”

Step 2

Follow the steps on the scheduling page to provide your information and select an appointment location and time.

Step 3

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

Frequently asked questions

  • What is a mammogram?

    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.

  • What age should women get a mammogram?

    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.

  • What happens during a mammogram?

    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.

  • How long does a mammogram take?

    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.

  • Do mammograms hurt?

    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.

  • How do I prepare for a mammogram?

    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.

  • How quickly will I know my results?

    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.

  • What if something is detected during my 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 Saint Thomas who specializes in diagnosing breast problems.

  • Is financial assistance and support available?

    Our care team can work with you to help find resources and financial assistance programs to meet your needs.

Schedule a screening today

At Ascension Saint Thomas, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you may have about mammograms and other screenings. If you need more care or advanced treatment options, you are connected to a compassionate care team that will explain procedures and walk you through every step of your care.

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Are you looking for a new doctor?

Doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas listens to understand you and your health concerns and answer your questions — big and small. You get personalized care, including referrals for yearly mammograms. Our compassionate teams are ready to answer any questions and help you feel more comfortable during your appointment.

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