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A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast and an important screening tool for detecting breast cancer early. Many small tumors can be detected on a mammogram before they can be felt by self-exam or by your doctor. The risk of getting breast cancer grows as a woman ages, so experts generally recommend that women begin screening with a baseline mammogram at the age of 40, and continue with mammograms every year thereafter. Women identified at increased risk of breast cancer may start screening earlier. Your physician can determine the best screening regimen given your age and risk factors. Women whose risk level is higher than average should seek expert medical advice about how early and how often to have mammograms. St. Joseph’s mammography facility is FDA approved and certified as meeting quality standards for equipment, personnel and practices under the Mammography Quality Standards Act. In addition, our facility is also approved by the American College of Radiology. View our Accreditations
You can trust St. Joseph Hospital's Comprehensive Breast Center to provide you and your family with care that meets or exceeds national quality-care standards.
Our comprehensive program is the only fully accredited facility in Orange County, with accreditations by the following prestigious organizations:
- Mammography: Quality Standards Act (MQSA)- 100% compliance
- American College of Radiology (ACR) three-year accreditation for Stereotactic Biopsy program
- American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation for Mammography units
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American College of Radiology (ACR) three-year accreditation for: - Breast Ultrasound - Core Needle Biopsy - Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (714) 744-8649 or (714) 771-8000, X14700.
One of the most recent advances in x-ray mammography is digital mammography. A standard mammogram uses film to record an image of the x-ray. The film is developed and then can be viewed by a radiologist on a light box.
A digital mammogram converts the x-rays into a digital picture, which can be viewed immediately on a computer. Digital mammograms have been shown to be comparable to standard mammograms in detecting breast cancer. In fact, recent research conducted by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) with support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has shown that digital mammography is significantly better in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages in women under 50, women with extremely dense breast tissue and pre-or perimenopausal women of any age.
To a patient, a digital mammogram may feel the same as a standard mammogram: the equipment seems similar, and both require breast compression. A standard mammogram, however, requires time to develop the film. Any motion may cause the test to be repeated. With digital mammography, a mammographer can see the results instantly on their computer. This can mean a shorter exam.
A digital mammogram also allows a radiologist to change the magnification, orientation, contrast and brightness of the image to better examine specific areas. Digital mammograms are easier to store and print to send as well.
Although becoming more popular with women and their doctors, digital mammography is not yet widely available. The St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center has invested in the latest diagnostic technology: full-field digital mammography. Our Digital Mammography System offers many significant advantages over traditional x-ray film:
- Produces images for evaluation in a matter of seconds • Transmits images quickly across a network to physicians and technologists
- Enables physicians to adjust brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas— providing greater accuracy
- Images can be stored and copied just like computer files, which eliminates the dependence on one set of “original” films
- Greatly reduces the need for retakes, reducing patients’ exposure to x-rays
At the St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center, we are committed to employing the latest technology to identify cancers at their earliest stages. To help ensure that you receive the highest quality care, we also:
- Use computer assisted detection (CAD) software for second reads on all patients
- Compare current digital images with prior exams to identify changes
- When necessary, recommend additional evaluations using advanced technology (ultrasound, breast MRI, breast PET and ultrasound core biopsy or stereotactic biopsy)
Choosing a quality breast-imaging center is very important, which is why there are three questions you should ask before making this decision.
- First, ask about the history and reputation of the breast-imaging center in the community. The center you choose should be dedicated to performing high-quality breast imaging, with a strong history of achieving or surpassing benchmark statistics for diagnosis and cancer mortality. Mammography should be performed by well-trained, specialized mammographers and mammography technologists, supported by a staff of skilled, caring individuals.
- Second, ask about who will be reading your results. A mammographer is a radiologist who has specialized training in reading breast X-rays. Ultimately, this doctor is responsible for interpreting the mammogram and reporting the diagnosis to your doctor. A mammographer is required to interpret 480 mammograms each year and therefore is more likely to spot any abnormalities. The St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center offers nationally recognized, fellowship-trained mammographers who have been dedicated to our program for more than 15 years.
- Third, ask about the center's certification. A breast imaging center should be licensed by the FDA and accredited by the American College of Radiology. The St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center is a fully accredited facility, offering patients state-of-the-art imaging equipment. View our Accreditations
The medical team at the St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center provides consultations to help patients evaluate treatment options. Our multi-disciplinary team develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Our specialists are also available to consult with patients diagnosed at other medical facilities that are seeking a second opinion before deciding on the best course of treatment.
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