Personalized Mammogram in Southern California

A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to screen for breast cancer. You may start receiving annual mammograms between the ages of 40 to 45 depending on your breast cancer risk. Annual mammograms should continue as long as your doctor recommends. 

Dignity Health Southern California provides mammogram X-rays in a calm environment with your comfort in mind. Our caring providers strive to build close relationships and provide personalized health services throughout your life. 

Use our Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment today. For mammogram X-rays in Southern California:

Why We Provide Mammogram

Common reasons for mammogram X-rays are:

  • Screening for breast cancer
  • Diagnosis of breast irregularities found during a breast exam
  • Follow-up for a previous abnormal mammogram or to track the progress of lumps

How to Prepare for Mammogram X-rays

To prepare for your mammogram: 

  • Don’t use deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms . They can create shadows on your mammogram.
  • Wear a skirt, pants, or shorts instead of a dress so you don’t have to undress completely.
  • Schedule your exam when your breasts aren’t tender. Avoid an exam right before or during your period.
  • If you have breast implants, tell both your scheduler and technologist. Special techniques may be needed.
  • Have previous mammogram results sent to your appointment if you had a mammogram at a different facility.

What to Expect From Mammogram at Dignity Health Southern California

Be assured that mammograms are safe. The amount of radiation used is very little — less than a standard chest X-ray. 

A mammogram requires undressing from the waist up. A radiologic technologist will position one of your breasts on an X-ray plate and compresses your breast by lowering a top plate. This may be uncomfortable. You need to hold your breath while the technologist takes the X-ray. Most mammograms are given by female technologists. 

You won’t need to plan recovery time from a mammogram. You can get back to your normal activities immediately afterward.

After a radiologist has reviewed your mammogram, your doctor will call you to explain the results. In some cases, you may need a follow-up mammogram or another breast imaging exam such as ultrasound. 

A mammogram isn’t fool-proof. It may miss breast cancer or indicate a problem where there isn’t one. That’s why it’s important to also practice regular breast self-exams and get regular breast exams.

A Dignity Health Southern California doctor can help you create an exam schedule that meets your needs and preferences, with the goal of preventing cancer and detecting abnormal changes early on, when treatment is most effective.

Dedicated Dignity Health doctors offer expert annual mammogram in Southern California.