All mammograms are not created equal. Our Breast Imaging program combines maximum comfort with highly trained staff and state-of-the-art technology for screening mammograms that are among the best in the region. In fact, in 2009 The American College of Radiology named us a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the first and only program in Kansas City to be accredited.
Our two locations, KU MedWest and our Westwood Medical Pavilion, provide easy access and plenty of free parking. For your added convenience, our Westwood location offers extended evening hours on Thursdays until 7 p.m.
The gift of early detection
Annual screening mammograms for early breast cancer detection are a gift to yourself. Advanced imaging technology allows us to find tumors too small for you to feel. Nationally, the number of breast cancers found with imaging now exceeds the number of cancers found by patients.
Early detection offers the greatest potential for cure. When we find and treat cancers smaller than a marble, the 10-year survivorship exceeds 90 percent.
Who should get a mammogram
Women who are 40 and older should get a mammogram once a year. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam performed by their doctors about every three years.
If you are around 30 years old, have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment in your chest area, consult with your doctor about when to have a mammogram.
The perfect mammogram, of course, is one that shows completely healthy breast tissue. But there are ways to make sure your mammogram is as perfect as possible for breast cancer detection. Get tips for a successful screening.
Experienced, dedicated breast radiologists
Your mammogram will be read by our full-time, on-site dedicated breast imaging radiologists. The American College of Radiology mandates breast radiologists read a minimum of 240 breast images per year. Each of our breast radiologists reads more than 3,000 breast images per year and has a more accurate cancer detection rate.
With dedicated breast imaging, we can individualize treatment. Our breast radiologists collaborate and consult with each other on interpreting readings. This makes our interpretations more consistant.
Digital imaging
For the highest accuracy, we use only digital imaging technologies for all screening and diagnostic breast images. Digital imaging is 28 percent more accurate than film in premenopausal patients and those with dense breast tissue. Because the images are digital, we can view them immediately and repeat, if necessary. There is no film to process.
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Analog image
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Digital image
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For accurate detection and diagnosis, we use the latest digital diagnostic imaging technologies, including:
Bring your old films
We'll scan and archive your film mammograms at no charge. Bring your old films to your next appointment. These will be an important part of your health record and may dramatically improve mammographic accuracy.
Help us help you
Many women postpone their annual mammograms because of pain during compression. We do everything we can to minimize discomfort during your mammogram.
About half of the breast cancers we find through mammography are groups of microcalcifications smaller than a grain of salt. Although your mammogram exposure time is two to three seconds, the littlest movement from heartbeat or breathing can blur the image. Compression stabilizes the breast for the best image possible, allowing us to find cancers earlier.
Your screening results
You'll receive your screening mammogram results in a few days, not the same day. To provide you with the most accurate interpretation, we take the time to read groups of images, instead of reading one at a time. This concentration improves our accuracy.
Depending on your screening mammogram results, you may return for additional testing, including a diagnostic mammogram and a minimally invasive biopsy. You'll receive your diagnostic mammogram results the same day. Your biopsy results will be sent to your referring physician in two to three days.
Fully accredited
We're fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Mammogram Quality Standards Act (MQSA).