Mammography
Each year, it's estimated that 48 million mammograms are performed in the United States as a primary means of detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. The highly skilled mammography technologists at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare are specially trained in the latest mammography techniques and are sensitive to your comfort throughout your experience.
Our Locations
About Mammograms
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray or digital image that gives a clear image of the breast. Currently, it is the best way of finding breast cancer early, before any physical symptoms develop.
- A screening mammogram is a regular annual screening. It is a standard four x-ray view (2 views per breast) of a woman with no breast problems.
- A diagnostic mammogram is a more detailed set of breast x-rays used to closely examine a lump or an abnormality found during a screening mammogram.
What's the Mammogram Experience Like?
While you stand, the technologist helps you place your breast on a small, adjustable platform. Then, gentle but firm compression is applied to the breast to spread out the breast tissue. This helps ensure a clear picture using minimal radiation. Typically, two images are taken of each breast - one from the top and one from the side.
What If Your Mammogram Shows A Problem?
If your mammogram results show something abnormal, please remember that 90 percent of lumps or other abnormal findings are benign (not cancer).
Preparing For Your Mammogram
For most women, mammograms are painless; though it is recommended that you schedule your mammogram the week after your menstrual period - when your breasts are less likely to be tender.
You should refrain from wearing fragrance, lotions or deodorant when you come in for your exam.
Our Capabilities
Your safety is assured when your mammogram is performed at a facility accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). All Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare facilities are ACR-accredited.
If you need more diagnostic testing, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare offers the most advanced breast health diagnostics and care coordination (check with location for specific services offered).
- Breast Care Coordinators (Navigators)
- Computer-assisted detection
- Comprehensive breast ultrasound services
- MRI for breast imaging and biopsy
- Minimally invasive breast biopsies (ultrasound and stereotactic)
- Multi-disciplinary breast care team
Screening Guidelines and Timeframes
Women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram (and a clinical breast exam) every year. This is the recommended screening test for the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is able to reveal tumors at their earliest, most treatable stage when they may be too small for you to feel.
Having a mammogram every year allows the radiologist (a doctor who reads and interprets x-rays) to compare your x-rays from year to year and to look carefully for any changes that could reveal a problem.
Mammogram and Breast Exam Recommendations
Women 40 and older
- Annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40
- Annual clinical breast exam by a health care professional
- Self breast exam-know how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional
- Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years
- Self breast exam-know how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional
- Talk to your health care professional about when to begin screening mammograms. Your recommendation will depend on your personal risk factors.
- Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years
- Self breast exam-know how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare offers breast diagnostics in numerous locations, although not all breast health tests are offered in each facility. Please check with your health care professional to determine the appropriate location to meet your needs.
Locations
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Women's Imaging Center
St. Luke's Health Pavilion
3821 Spring Street
Racine, WI 53405
To schedule an appointment at All Saints call: (262) 687-2600
WFMG-Metro Imaging
2500 W Layton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53221
To schedule an appointment at Metro Imaging, please call 414-389-3016
To schedule an appointment in the following locations call: (414) 456-3200
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Brown Deer
at the YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Village
9252 N. Green Bay Road
Brown Deer, WI 53209
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- Elmbrook Memorial
19333 W. North Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Franklin
10101 S. 27th St.
Franklin, WI 53132
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Francis
Ohio Building, 3267 S. 16th Street, Suite 107
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Wheaton Franciscan -St. Joseph Campus
5000 W. Chambers Street
Milwaukee, WI 53210
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Wauwatosa
201 N. Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Wheaton Franciscan Radiology
7400 W. Rawson Avenue, Suite G20
Franklin, WI 53132
Breast Care Coordinators
For information, guidance and support, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has nurse specialists called Breast Care Coordinators who have expertise in breast health. If you have a breast health concern or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a Breast Care Coordinator (Navigator) can assist you to make well-informed decisions about your care. They can:
- Answer questions about breast health, diagnostic tests, and treatment options
- Advocate on your behalf
- Connect you with other services and organizations
- Educate you on breast health
- Help you with referrals
- Listen to your concerns
- Serve as an advocate, educator, and partner at any stage in your breast health experience
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Scheduling:
For a mammogram at our Milwaukee or Waukesha county locations, please call (414) 456-3200 or 1-866-960-9100.
For Racine, please call (262) 687-2600.