What is a mammogram?

Mammography is the most effective screening tool for diagnosing breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breast, which doctors use to detect early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can show breast abnormalities up to two years before they are felt with a physical exam.

Although mammograms are considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening, they should not replace physical breast exams. Rush providers recommend that you continue monthly self-breast exams, physician exams during wellness visits and annual mammograms for the best chance to detect breast cancer early.

Types of mammograms

Rush provides advanced breast imaging for the earliest detection. We start by identifying the best imaging test for your breast type, medical history and risk.

Our program offers the following breast screenings:

• Breast MRI — including fast MRI, which can be done in about 10 minutes — for women who have a high risk of breast cancer
• 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis)
• Handheld and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) screening for dense breasts

To learn more about your options, talk to your doctor.

Excellence in mammography

At Rush, breast radiologists detect 85% to 90% of breast cancers at these early stages, a sign of our providers' expertise in detecting even the smallest cancers.

If our team suspects a breast tumor or breast cancer, we will work closely with our multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists to provide comprehensive and seamless care.