When Do I Need a Mammogram?

Regular mammograms (X-ray pictures of your breast) are key to ensuring long-term breast health. But how do you know if it’s time to get one? If you answered “yes” to any of the questions below, schedule your mammogram at AnMed today. 

  • Are you at least 40 years old (or 35 with a family history of breast cancer)? 
  • Did a genetic test show you’re at risk for having breast cancer? 
  • Have you noticed anything unusual with your breasts, like a lump or swelling?  

From Anderson to Pickens, our facilities and mobile mammography bus make it easy to get a mammogram when and where you need it. See our mobile mammography coach's locations.

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Schedule Your Mammogram

Same-day and next-day appointments are available. You don’t need a doctor’s referral for your routine annual screening. 

Schedule your mammogram online at the North Campus and Cannon locations.

You can call 864-512-5400 (Anderson or Clemson) or 864-898-1153 (Pickens) to schedule your mammogram.

You can also find our mobile mammography coach's locations.

3D Mammography 

3D mammography is advanced technology at AnMed that takes multiple images of breast tissue to create a 3D image. Compared to standard 2D mammography, 3D mammography offers: 

  • More detailed images – Reveals fine details that are harder to see on a traditional mammogram
  • Better detection – Provides superior screening if you have dense breasts (tissue with less fat)
  • Greater accuracy – Finds between 20 percent and 60 percent more invasive breast cancers than traditional mammography alone
  • Fewer callbacks – Reduces unnecessary callbacks (orders for more testing) by up to 40 percent

When you schedule your next mammogram, ask for 3D mammography, especially if you:

  • Have dense breast tissue
  • Have a family history of breast cancer
  • Are in a high-risk category
     

Other Breast Health Tests

No matter what type of breast exam you need, you can count on AnMed for sensitive care that respects your privacy and helps you feel comfortable. We offer:

  • 3D breast ultrasound – This imaging exam uses sound waves, not radiation, to reveal information about a lump or tender tissue. Depending on your age and symptoms, your doctor may order this test on its own or with a mammogram.
  • Breast MRI – This test uses magnets and a computer, not radiation, to create detailed 3D images of both breasts. Your doctor might order MRI:
    • As a screening test if you’re at high risk for breast cancer
    • As a diagnostic tool if a mammogram shows something unusual
  • Breast biopsy – A biopsy removes a tiny sample of unusual breast tissue to check for cancerous cells in a lab. MRI or ultrasound images may help your doctor gather cells from the correct area of the breast. 

Take comfort in knowing most breast exams show no signs of cancer. But AnMed is ready with supportive, personal breast cancer care if you need it. 
 

Your First Imaging Appointment 

We gather a lot of information at your first breast imaging appointment. We’ll ask you about your health history and family health history to learn about your risk of breast cancer. 

If you’ve had a breast imaging test at another facility, please bring the images with you. It can take up to two weeks for us to get your images from another facility. If you bring the images, we won’t have to wait. Previous images are needed because it gives us the most accurate look at your breast health.

Release Exam Records

If a healthcare provider outside of AnMed asks for copies of your mammogram images, you’ll need to fill out this medical records release form [PDF]. It gives us permission to send the images to another facility. You can mail in the completed form, email it to Mammo.aamc10.anmed3@anmedhealth.org or fax it to 864-512-6587.

Reaching High Standards of Care for You

Rest assured you’ve come to the right place for your breast imaging test. We hold the following accreditations from the American College of Radiology (ACR):

These accreditations mean you can trust us to ensure your safety and provide top-quality images. We choose to meet the ACR’s high standards because we care about your well-being and satisfaction. 

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