Patient Tools and Resources
Patient Tools and Resources
Check here frequently for resources and tools patients can use to get better healthcare outcomes
Questions to Ask Before Getting a Mammogram
From the Chicago Tribune, October 21, 2010: The Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force suggests asking these questions to improve the chances of getting a high-quality mammogram:- How do I get ready for my mammogram?
- Will the mammogram be read by a mammography specialist, also known as a breast imaging specialist?
- If the mammogram is interpreted by a general radiologist rather than a mammography or breast imaging specialist, will it be read a second time by another radiologist? (It helps to have two independent interpretations if the initial read is by a general radiologist.)
- How many mammograms does the radiologist read annually? (The FDA recommends the doctors read at least 480 annually.)
- For women younger than 50: Is the mammography machine digital? (Some research suggests that digital mammography may be more accurate than conventional film mammography in women with dense breasts who are pre- menopausal or peri-menopausal — i.e., women who had their most recent menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms — or who are younger than 50.)
- How long will it take to receive my mammography results?
- If the results of the mammogram are suspicious, what are my next steps?