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 ample free parking. For your added convenience, our Westwood location offers extended evening hours on Thursdays until 6:45 p.m. To schedule your mammogram, call 913.588.1227 or 800.332.6048.

We focus on privacy and comfort for women receiving breast imaging services. A spa-like setting in the Elaine Polsky Changing Suite at our Westwood location offers private changing rooms, comfortable gowns and secure lockers for your belongings.

Early detection is key

Annual screening mammograms for early breast cancer detection are gifts to yourself. Advanced imaging technology allows us to find tumors too small for you to feel. 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.

Mammogram guidelines

Women who are 40 and older should get a mammogram once a year. Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams 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, ask your doctor when to have a mammogram.

Mammogram preparation

Follow these tips to make the most of your annual screening mammogram:

• Prior to your first visit, call 913.588.1227 or toll free 800.332.6048 and ask us to send you a transfer authorization form allowing us to receive your previous mammograms from other locations. Fill out and sign the form, return it to us and we will arrange to receive them from your previous providers.  You may instead bring in discs or films of previous mammograms on your first visit. We'll digitize your previous films and store them for future reference at no charge. These help us compare your current screening images to previous ones to detect subtle changes in breast tissue. 
• Prior to your appointment, bathe or shower to remove any deodorant particles to help ensure the accuracy of the mammogram. These particles can mimic breast cancers and give false positive readings.
• If you feel a lump or mass in your breast, note the size and location and discuss it with your doctor and screening technologist prior to your mammogram.

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 higher cancer detection accuracy rate.

Licensed mammographers

You will be placed in position for capturing your mammogram by a dedicated, registered, licensed mammographer. These specialists have in-depth training on getting the clearest images from the technology and correct positioning of the patient. The precision and care taken greatly improves the accuracy of your mammogram.

Latest technology

To detect and diagnose breast cancer, we use the following:

• Digital mammography
  A specially designed digital camera and computer produce higher quality images than standard mammography. Digital imaging is 28 percent more accurate than film in premenopausal patients and those with dense breast tissue.
  

  Analog image	Digital image

• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound images are made using sound waves, and are often used to provide further analysis beyond the digital mammogram. If your mammogram reveals an area of concern, an ultrasound may be used to determine the need for biopsy.
• Magnetic resonance imaging 
  MRI combined with computer-aided detection software to improve analysis and interpretation of your breast MRI

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).