Mammograms

Care teams at Ascension Wisconsin provide mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer.

Personalized breast screening and mammograms in Wisconsin

Ascension Wisconsin provides mammograms to screen for breast health and help detect signs of breast cancer.

Mammograms at Ascension Wisconsin

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

If you’re 40 or older, a breast screening should be part of your annual wellness visit. Women with a family history or an increased risk of breast cancer may be asked to get screened at an earlier age and will have access to our dedicated high-risk breast cancer clinics and genetic counseling.

Breast cancer screening

Hanadi BuAli, MD, is a breast surgeon and director of the Breast Health Program at Ascension Wisconsin. She answers your questions about breast cancer and annual mammograms.

Understanding mammograms

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

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.

Breast screening 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.

  • Screening mammograms
  • Diagnostic mammograms
  • Digital 3D mammograms*
  • 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.

When to ask for a breast screening

Talk to a doctor about a breast screenings if you:

  • Are 40 or older
  • Have a family history of breast cancer
  • Have a lump
  • Notice thickened skin on your breast
  • Have skin indentation on your breast
  • Have a nipple with leaking fluid
  • Have a sore on a nipple that doesn’t get better
  • Experience breast pain

Most insurance providers cover a mammogram each year. Check with your insurance provider for more details on your coverage.

What to expect during a mammogram

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.

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.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

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 Wisconsin — 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.

How to get a mammogram

stethoscope

Select a location near you below. Once you select a location, you will be able to schedule directly online or call the office to set up an appointment. A referral is not required for a screening mammogram.

Please have the following information available when scheduling: email address, health insurance, referring doctor (if applicable), and your basic health information.

FIND A LOCATION IN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM BY PHONE IN FOX VALLEY

Get a second opinion for breast cancer

At Ascension Wisconsin, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you may have about mammograms and other screenings you may need. If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists that are right for you. We take the time to explain your procedures and walk you through every step.

Financial assistance and support

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 navigator can connect you to a financial counselor. Learn more about our financial assistance program.

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

All registered marks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Stories you'll love

Adult securing a young child in a forward-facing car seat by fastening the chest clip and harness straps inside the back seat of a vehicle.

Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go

June 11, 2026

Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.

Two women eating a healthy meal together

Obesity has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association for almost a decade, yet many people often struggle alone with their weight and health concerns long before they talk to a doctor.

Two women eating a healthy meal together

Obesity has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association for almost a decade, yet many people often struggle alone with their weight and health concerns long before they talk to a doctor.

A family enjoys roasted marshmallows while camping.

Ascension Wisconsin pediatrician Dr. Todd McKenzie shares five essential summer safety tips for parents to protect children from seasonal health risks during the summer months.

Read more stories