What If I Get Called Back After a Routine Screening?

Screening mammograms are important for catching breast cancer early. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about your results. If you get called back for more testing after a screening, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. 

It may mean our radiologists found something they want to look at more closely. You may need to have new breast images taken or get another test. According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests have cancer.

Diagnostic Mammogram

Your follow-up testing will likely start with a diagnostic mammogram. It’s similar to a screening mammogram, except you’ll have more images taken, especially any areas of concern that a radiologist wants to look at more closely. Your radiologist may want you to have another type of breast imaging test to make it easier to see parts of your breast.

Follow-up appointments or additional imaging take place at AnMed Women’s Diagnostics in Anderson.

Ask for a Referral

When you need a breast imaging test, ask your doctor to refer you to AnMed. Our breast centers in Anderson and Pickens are accredited by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Surgeons for providing comprehensive, high-quality care.

Breast Imaging Tests

Breast imaging tests help your doctor diagnose or rule out cancer and other breast conditions. Depending on your symptoms, you may need:

  • Breast biopsy – Removes sample of abnormal breast tissue to check for cancerous cells. Your doctor may use mammography, ultrasound or MRI to gather tissue from your breast.
  • Breast MRI – Uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed breast images without radiation. Your doctor might order an MRI:
    • As a screening test if you’re at high risk for breast cancer
    • As a diagnostic tool, if a mammogram shows something unusual
  • Breast ultrasound – Uses sound waves, not radiation, to reveal information about a lump or tender tissue. Depending on your age and symptoms, your doctor may order this test on its own or with a mammogram.

High-Quality Care Standards for You

American College of Radiology seal

Feel confident you’ve come to the right place for your mammogram when you choose AnMed. We hold the following accreditations from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center:

  • Mammography: AnMed Women's Diagnostics and AnMed Cannon Breast Imaging (Pickens)
  • Breast MRI: AnMed Women's Diagnostics

These accreditations mean you can trust us to ensure your safety and provide top-quality images. We meet ACR’s high standards because we care about your well-being and satisfaction.

Your Appointment

We gather a lot of information at your first breast imaging appointment. We’ll ask you about your health history and family health history to learn about your risk of breast cancer. 

If you’ve had a breast imaging test at another facility, please bring the images with you. It can take up to two weeks for us to get your images from another facility. Previous images are needed because they give us the most accurate look at your breast health.

When Will I Get My Test Results?

Waiting for your results can be stressful, so we try to provide same-day results in MyChart when you have a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound.

When you make an appointment for a breast biopsy, you’ll also schedule a post-biopsy consult with a breast health navigator to go over your results.

Breast Cancer Care

If your test results reveal breast cancer, take comfort in knowing AnMed is ready with supportive, personal breast cancer care.

After a breast cancer diagnosis, your dedicated breast health navigator will guide you every step of the way. Your navigator will explain your next steps for care and treatment. Your nurse navigator will also schedule you with a cancer specialist and other needed appointments.