Breast Health Screenings:
Mammograms and Ultrasounds

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a special breast X-ray that can detect most but not all breast cancers, often detecting cancer before a lump can be felt. While this makes mammograms a very important tool in the early detection of breast cancer, they are only a part of breast health. A woman should not ignore something she feels just because her mammogram is normal. The density of a breast can impact the visibility of breast tissue in mammograms.

When should I have a mammogram?

Women at average risk for breast cancer should begin screening with mammograms at age 40 and continue annually. Women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier and more frequently.

My mammogram indicates I have dense breasts; what does that mean?

Breast density refers to the amount of fatty tissue, fibrous connective tissue, and glandular tissue in the breast as seen on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts will have either extremely dense breasts (mostly dense tissue) or heterogeneously dense breasts (some areas of fatty tissue, but mostly dense tissue). A dense breast has more fibrous connective and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, thus making it harder for radiologists to detect potential cancers on a mammogram. Dense tissue and cancers can both appear white on a mammogram, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Younger women usually have dense breasts. As women get older, their breasts generally become less dense.

Should I have a breast ultrasound?

In women with dense breasts, breast ultrasound can be used as a supplemental screening tool to help detect cancers that may be missed by mammography.

Can I skip a mammogram and instead have a breast ultrasound?

No, a breast ultrasound should not replace a mammogram for routine screening. While ultrasound is a valuable tool for further investigation of abnormalities found on a mammogram or for specific situations, it is not as effective as mammography in detecting early-stage breast cancers.

Will insurance cover my breast ultrasound?

While screening mammograms are generally covered by insurance with no out-of-pocket costs, coverage for breast ultrasound as a screening tool varies by state and insurance plan. If you have dense breast tissue and your doctor recommends a breast ultrasound, you should check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Understanding your breast density allows you to have informed conversations with your healthcare provider about personalized breast cancer screening recommendations. This conversation should include a discussion of the potential benefits and harms of different screening options, including ultrasound.

Please reach out to your insurance with the diagnosis code provided by your provider.

For information about any potential out-of-pocket costs you may have, please reach out to Patient Care Estimates at 815-599-8054.