At Self Regional Healthcare, we are committed to helping you protect your breast health through early detection, advanced breast imaging and personalized care. From routine mammograms and convenient mobile screenings to advanced diagnostic imaging and specialized care for individuals at higher risk, our team provides comprehensive breast care close to home.
Early Detection and Breast Cancer Screening
Early detection is one of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment may be most effective.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines for women at average risk:
- Ages 40 to 44: Women should have the choice to begin annual breast cancer screening with mammograms.
- Ages 45 to 54: Women should receive a mammogram every year.
- Age 55 and older: Women may transition to a mammogram every two years or choose to continue annual screening.
Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
It is also important to know how your breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to your health care provider.
Some individuals may need additional screening because of family history, genetics or other risk factors. Talk with your health care provider about your personal breast cancer risk and the screening plan that is right for you.
3D Mammography
Self Regional Healthcare offers advanced 3D mammography to provide detailed images of breast tissue and help identify breast cancer at its earliest stages.
What is 3D mammography?
3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, uses multiple breast X-ray images to create a three dimensional picture of the breast. Unlike traditional 2D mammography, 3D mammography allows the radiologist to examine breast tissue in thin, 1 millimeter slices.
This detailed view makes it easier to see breast structures and identify the location, size and shape of abnormal tissue.
Anyone who is a candidate for traditional mammography is also a candidate for 3D mammography. Individuals with dense breast tissue or an increased risk of developing breast cancer may particularly benefit from the more detailed images.
What to expect during your mammogram
A mammogram typically takes about 15 minutes. You will be given a gown and asked to remove clothing from the waist up, along with any necklaces.
During the exam, a technologist will position your breast on the mammography machine and apply compression for a few seconds. This spreads the breast tissue and allows clear images to be taken. You may be asked to remain still or briefly hold your breath while images are collected.
A radiologist will review your images. If an area requires further evaluation, additional imaging may be recommended.
Many insurance plans cover 3D mammography. Contact your insurance carrier directly with questions about your individual coverage.
Questions about mammography or breast imaging?
Call the Self Regional Healthcare Imaging Center at (864) 725-7150.
Mobile Mammography
We are making breast cancer screening more convenient by bringing mammography services directly into the communities we serve.
Self Regional Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Unit provides routine breast cancer screenings in a private, convenient setting. The mobile unit features high-quality digital imaging, with mammograms performed by a female ARRT registered mammographer.
A mobile mammography appointment can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes, making it easier to fit this important screening into your day.
What to expect on the Mobile Mammography Unit
When you arrive at the Mobile Mammography Unit for your scheduled appointment, our team will escort you to a completely private dressing area. Staff will review a brief personal history with you and complete any necessary paperwork.
You will receive a gown and be asked to remove clothing from the waist up, along with any deodorants or powders. From the private dressing area, you will be able to walk directly into the exam room.
During your mammogram, your breasts will be compressed between two firm surfaces to spread the breast tissue. X ray images are then taken and reviewed for technical accuracy.
Once your screening is complete, you can get dressed and continue with your day.
After your mobile mammogram
Our radiologists typically interpret mobile mammography images within two to four business days.
If additional imaging is needed, our staff will contact you to schedule an appointment at the Imaging Center. If your results are normal and no additional imaging is required, a letter will be mailed to you and your report will be released to your designated physician.
Who can receive a mobile screening mammogram?
To receive a screening mammogram on the Mobile Mammography Unit, you must:
- Be age 40 or older
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Not currently have breast concerns such as a lump, discharge or another breast problem
- Be able to walk up the stairs of the unit and stand unassisted for approximately 10 to 15 minutes
If you are experiencing a breast concern or symptom, talk with your health care provider about the appropriate next step rather than scheduling a routine screening mammogram.
Mobile Mammography for Employers
Self Regional Healthcare can also bring the Mobile Mammography Unit directly to the workplace, making it easier for employees to complete their annual breast cancer screening without having to leave work.
Bringing the mobile unit to your organization can:
- Provide convenient, hospital quality mammography services onsite
- Reduce the amount of time employees need to spend away from work
- Encourage employees to complete recommended breast cancer screenings
- Provide screenings in a completely private environment
Annual screening mammograms for patients over age 40 are covered as preventive services by many insurance plans. Self Regional Healthcare can file insurance or bill employers directly, depending on the arrangement.
Interested in bringing Mobile Mammography to your organization?
Call (864) 725-7161 to learn more.
Contrast Enhanced Mammography
Sometimes additional imaging is needed to better evaluate an area of concern. Self Regional Healthcare offers contrast enhanced mammography, or CEM, as an advanced breast imaging option.
CEM can help detect cancers that may not be visible on a conventional mammogram. It may be performed following a mammogram or ultrasound when additional information is needed about an area that appears abnormal or potentially abnormal.
What is contrast enhanced mammography?
Contrast enhanced mammography combines mammographic imaging with a contrast agent to provide additional information about breast tissue. The contrast agent is similar to those commonly used during CT scans.
The contrast can accumulate in areas of the breast where cancers may be forming or growing, helping physicians identify areas that may require further evaluation.
CEM can provide information beyond conventional mammography and, in certain situations, may provide information similar to diagnostic breast MRI.
What to expect during your CEM exam
Before the mammogram, a contrast agent is injected into your arm. You will then wait approximately two minutes to allow the contrast to circulate.
A technologist will perform mammographic images of the breast or breasts being evaluated. The physician will review the images to make sure the appropriate information has been captured and evaluate areas where the contrast agent may have accumulated.
CEM does not require additional breast compression beyond what is typically needed for a conventional mammogram.
High Risk Breast Clinic
Some individuals have a greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer because of genetics, family history, breast density or other factors. The High Risk Breast Clinic at the Self Regional Healthcare Breast Center provides a proactive and personalized approach to reducing breast cancer risk and supporting early detection.
Who may be at higher risk?
Factors that may increase an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer include:
- Genetic predispositions
- A male relative with breast cancer
- Relatives with a history of certain cancers
- A personal history of biopsy proven atypia, or precancerous cells
- Dense breast tissue identified by mammography
- A history of chest wall radiation
If you have one or more risk factors, your health care provider can help determine whether additional evaluation or specialized screening may be appropriate.
Personalized care for your breast cancer risk
At the High Risk Breast Clinic, care is tailored to your individual needs. A personalized plan is developed and managed by a board certified, fellowship trained breast surgeon.
Depending on your individual risk, your care plan may include:
- Genetic counseling or referral
- An individualized breast cancer screening plan
- Medical interventions to help reduce risk
- Discussion of prophylactic, or preventive, surgical options when appropriate
For some individuals at higher risk, screening may include breast MRI in addition to mammography.
High Risk Breast Clinic
For more information or to schedule a free screening consultation, call (864) 725-5977.
Comprehensive Breast Care Close to Home
Whether you need a routine mammogram, a convenient screening through our Mobile Mammography Unit, additional diagnostic imaging or a personalized assessment of your breast cancer risk, Self Regional Healthcare is here to help you take an active role in your breast health.
Mammography and Breast Imaging
Call (864) 725-7150
Mobile Mammography for Employers and Organizations
Call (864) 725-7161
High Risk Breast Clinic
Call (864) 725-5977