Breast Health FAQs
AnMed uses the latest technology to help pinpoint problems as quickly as possible. We’re happy to help answer any questions you might have about your upcoming breast imaging test.
What is Breast Cancer Screening?
Screenings can detect breast cancer before you experience symptoms. That’s important because early detection improves long-term outcomes—and even saves lives. Mammography is the most common screening test, but your doctor may also recommend other imaging exams if you’re at high risk of breast cancer.
What is a Diagnostic Mammogram?
If you feel a lump, experience pain or notice other changes to your breasts, your doctor will likely order a diagnostic mammogram. This exam may take longer than your routine, annual screening. You may also have a breast ultrasound.
What is 3D Mammography?
AnMed’s advanced 3D mammogram technology offers more detail than standard 2D imaging. It can:
- Give a clearer view of your tissue, especially if you have dense (less fatty) breasts
- Reduce the likelihood you’ll be called back for more testing
- Find more invasive breast cancers
Ask for 3D mammography when you call to schedule your next breast cancer screening, especially if a previous mammogram revealed you have dense breasts.
Schedule Your Mammogram
Call 864-512-5400 (Anderson) or 864-898-1153 (Pickens) to schedule your mammogram. You don’t need a doctor’s referral for your routine annual screening, but a physician’s order is preferred. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
What Should I Expect During a Mammogram?
The goal of a mammogram is to get high-quality pictures of the inside of your breasts so one of our female radiologists (imaging doctors) can look for unusual tissue. You’ll stand in front of a machine and your mammogram technologist will put your breast on a plate. A plastic upper plate is dropped down to compress your breast for a few seconds while your technologist takes an X-ray. Then, you’ll change positions so that your breast is compressed from side-to-side before the next X-ray is taken.
Registration and the exam usually only take 15 minutes. We want to give you as much information as possible in a timely way.
Does a Mammogram Hurt?
A mammogram might cause some discomfort for a few seconds when your breast tissue is compressed against the testing equipment. Our technologists will do everything they can to keep you comfortable. Tell your technologist if you’re in pain, so they can adjust the compression levels.
What Happens After Breast Cancer Screening?
Most screenings don’t show any problems. But if yours shows something unusual, a radiologist will want to learn more. The doctor may order more images, breast ultrasound, breast MRI or a biopsy—a procedure that harvests a tiny sample of cells for examination in a lab. Rest assured, most unusual tissue is harmless. But if you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, you’ll have the support of a team of caring experts at AnMed.
How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?
Most insurance companies cover mammograms, but you can get a 50 percent discount if paying out-of-pocket. You may be eligible for low or no-cost screenings if you don’t have insurance. To learn whether you qualify for assistance, contact the breast patient navigator at 864-512-4091.
When Will I Get My Test Results?
We know that waiting for your results can be stressful, so we make every effort to provide same-day results in MyChart when you have a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound.