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Screening Programs
Breast Imaging Center
Breast cancer is the number-two killer of women
in the United States, second only to lung cancer,
and on Long Island, the frequency of breast cancer
is among the highest in the nation.
You can, however, arm yourself for battle.
Early detection can significantly reduce the number
of deaths attributed to breast cancer. Mammography,
a low-dose breast x-ray, is still the most effective
weapon in the fight against breast cancer. In fact,
mammography can detect breast cancer at its earliest
stages -- as much as two years before even the most
experienced examiner can feel a lump.
Studies conducted by the American Cancer Society
and the National Cancer Institute show that about
95 percent of the cancerous lumps found by mammography
alone are in early, curable stages.
Simply put, early detection can mean the difference
between life and death. The Breast Imaging Center
of the Nassau University Medical Center features
low-dose mammography, so the radiation risk is virtually
insignificant. Gone are the old-fashioned mammography
machines that use high doses of radiation. Today,
mammography is safer than ever.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
The Breast Imaging Center of the Nassau University
Medical Center features low-dose mammography, so
the radiation risk is virtually insignificant. Gone
are the old-fashioned mammography machines that
us high doses of radiation. Today, mammography is
safer than ever.
Who Should Have a Mammogram?
Between the ages of 35 and 39, you should have a
baseline mammogram to which later mammograms can
be compared. From ages 40 to 49, have one every
on to two years and then annually at age 50 and
older. Your doctor will tell you if you need more
frequent mammograms.
How Is It Performed?
Mammography is usually performed while the patient
stands. The woman technologist positions the breast
on a support beneath the x-ray machine. Then the
breast is compressed with a plastic device called
a paddle. In some cases, compression may be slightly
uncomfortable, but it is necessary for high-quality
images. About two x-rays of each breast are taken,
one view from above and one from the side. The entire
procedure takes about 30 minutes -- that's all.
Preparing For The Exam
Dress comfortably in a two-piece outfit, such as
a skirt or slacks and blouse, so undressing is easier.
Do not use deodorant, talcum powder or creams on
your breasts. They may appear as abnormalities on
the x-ray
Avoid caffeine for about one week before your exam.
Caffeine can make your breasts feel sore
Schedule the mammogram after your period, as breasts
are usually less sensitive then
If you have had a previous mammogram, please bring
a copy of it with you
Registration
If you are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, be sure
you bring your membership card. Patients who have
other insurance should bring their claim forms.
Also, if you have a doctor, bring the physicians
name, address and telephone number.
If you have not had a mammography within a year
and want to schedule a routine mammogram, you do
not need a doctor's order. However, if your doctor
has referred you for a follow-up mammography, make
sure you bring the physicians order.
What Comes Next?
After you have registered, you will watch a 10-minute
video on breast self-examination. Then a nurse will
ask you several questions about your health, examine
your breasts and instruct you in self-examination.
What Does It Cost?
The Breast Imaging Center offers no 'out of pocket
cost' for its mammography-screening program available
to Nassau County women. If you are insured or covered
by Medicare or Medicaid, the center will bill these
payment sources.
Since the fee is based on an annual examination,
interim visits and/or special procedures are not
covered under this fee structure.
Your Mammography Results and Follow-Up Testing
You and your doctor will receive the results of
the mammogram in 1-2 weeks. If our examination indicates
a need for medical follow-up or reexamination a
certified letter will be sent to you. However, a
request for a follow-up does not necessarily indicate
a serious condition.
If an abnormality is found, the center may suggest
that you have one or more of the following:
A repeat breast examination by your doctor
Additional mammographic x-ray views of your breast
A follow-up mammogram in four to six months
A breast ultrasound -- picture of the breast produced
by high frequency sound waves -- to determine whether
a lump is a cyst or a solid mass in the breast
A biopsy or sampling of cells from the breast for
analysis in the laboratory
You may also need to obtain copies of your previous
mammogram for comparison studies
If you have received a certified letter, a nurse
from the center will telephone you to follow your
progress
Other Services Available at the Breast Imaging
Center
Stereotaxic Localization Device -- helps to pinpoint
abnormalities in the breast. This technique is used
if a sample needs to be removed from the breast
and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Cyst Aspiration -- a very fine needle is used to
remove fluid from a mass in the breast for analysis
in the laboratory.
Needle Biopsy -- a similar needle is used to penetrate
a suspicious lump and remove a few cells for study.
Three-Step Program for Life
Remember the life-long, three-step program:
Monthly Breast Self-Examination
Regular Examinations by a Physician
Mammography
Take charge of your health. It's time you take time
to have a mammogram -- it just might save your life.
To schedule an appointment at the Breast Imaging
Center of the Nassau University Medical Center, contact
you physician or call the center at (516) 572-5700,
weekdays between 12 PM and 4:30 PM.
The Breast Imaging Center of the Nassau University
Medical Center is accredited by the American College
of Radiology. Its mammography program for women
aged 35 and older is co-sponsored by the Nassau
County Department of Health.
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