*OHSU consensus statement, will f/u after speaking with Chelsea* OHSU Breast Imaging supports annual screening mammography starting at age 40.

Mammogram pictures are taken by applying a plate on each side of your breast and exerting pressure with the mammogram machine.  This pressure compresses the tissue and helps the radiologist to see through your breast tissue better. The compression can be uncomfortable but is quick.

Anyone that doesn’t have medical insurance that provides free screening mammography and is unable to afford the out of pocket costs of a screening mammogram qualifies for this program.

Mammograms use very low amounts of radiation to create images.  The risks associated with the radiation dose in mammography are extremely small and are far outweighed by the benefit of cancer screening.

The Breast Radiologist will read your screening mammogram 1-2 days after you have it completed.  If it is normal, OHSU will send you a letter in the mail sharing these results. They will also be available on My-Chart.  If the Radiologist recommends additional imaging, a Nurse from the department will call you to review these results and recommendations.

If the Radiologist recommends extra imaging, a Nurse from the department will call you to review the results, the recommendations and help you to get scheduled.  It is quite common to be called back for extra images, especially if this is your first screening mammogram. 

OHSU has a partnership with the Oregon Health Authority ScreenWise Program.  If a person meets eligibility criteria (listed below). We can help to enroll you into this program which provides full financial coverage of diagnostic breast imaging tests.

Screenwise Eligibility:

 A patient must meet the following requirements to be enrolled in ScreenWise

•  Age:
  • Age 21-49 and needing breast or cervical cancer diagnostic services¥ .
  • Age 50 or older needing breast or cervical cancer screening or diagnostic services. –
• Location: A patient must live or intend to live in Oregon.
• Income: A patient must have a household income at or below 250% of Federal Poverty Level.
• Insurance status: A patient must either have no health insurance OR have health insurance, but not enough to cover their needs.

Screening mammograms are the best tool to screen the entire breast.  Mammograms can show tissue changes that ultrasound cannot and thus Screening breast ultrasound can result in false positives and are very dependent on the user completing the exam.

The OHSU Breast Center completes three-dimensional (3D) mammography technology on all screening mammograms. This 3-D mammography helps find breast cancer earlier and gives fewer "false positive" results.

Breast density varies from woman to woman. There are four levels of breast density ranging from not dense to extremely dense.  This density is important as it provides information to the woman having a mammogram so that she can be informed about her breast tissue. We provide the level of density on all screening mammography reports.

OHSU recommends that for a woman of average risk, screening mammograms begin at age 40 and occur every 1-2 years.

Family history is an important piece of data that we take into account to determine how often a woman should have mammograms and if there are any extra imaging tools that can be used in conjunction with mammography.  If you have a strong family history of breast cancer you speak to your provider regarding a breast imaging schedule that is tailored to your clinical picture.

Through the Breast Health for All program it is free.

(Brad F can clarify answer)

• OHSU Center for Health and Healing – (503) 494-4673
• OHSU Kohler Pavilion (Screening Mammograms only) - (503) 494-4673
• OHSU Scappoose Family Medicine Clinic (Screening Mammograms only) - (503) 494-4673
• OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center – (503) 681-4015

It is important to get a mammogram to screen for small changes in your breast tissue.  Screening Mammography helps to find changes in your breast even when you cannot feel them.  This is the best way we can find cancers at a very early stage.

If you are experiencing a breast symptom such as a lump, focal pain or nipple discharge; you will need diagnostic imaging.  This does require an order from a provider.  Diagnostic mammograms are different in that images are taken of the entire breast and targeted images are taken of the area of concern.  Often a Breast ultrasound is completed in conjunction with the diagnostic mammogram to provide additional information.

You do not need a referral for a screening mammogram.  As long as you have a Provider that we can send results to, you can self-refer.

Screening mammography is generally for asymptomatic average-risk patients starting at age 40, high-risk patients starting as early as age 30, or a patient of any age with personal history of breast cancer more than 5 years prior.  Symptomatic patients or patients with a personal history of breast cancer within the last 5 years should get diagnostic imaging.

If you have a lump or new breast concern, you should start by calling your Primary Care Provider for an assessment.  They will likely recommend that you have diagnostic imaging including a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound.  Once we receive these orders, we can schedule you for the imaging.

Breast Health for All is a program specifically designed to assist patients who may not be able to pay for a screening mammogram or that may not have insurance that covers screening.

Screening Mammograms do not require a copay.

A Provider is needed on all mammogram orders. If you do not have a Provider or need assistance with getting established with a Provider, please contact one of our clinics and we can assist with this process.