Q. How do I schedule a mammogram?
A. Please call the Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Centre at 617-983-7272 to request an appointment for a mammogram. You will need to provide information including your name, date of birth, phone number, address, and the name of the physician to whom we should send the report. If you have had films taken previously, you will be asked to bring those to your appointment.
Q. What if I don't have insurance?
A. Faulkner Hospital offers free mammograms to uninsured women over 40. Please call 617-983-7451 for more information. Appointments are required.
Q. How do I request my mammogram films?
A. For information on requesting films, please Click Here.
Q. Where can I find information on breast cancer?
A. Information can be found at the Faulkner Hospital Patient/Family Resource Center located at Faulkner Hospital, on the 3rd floor across from the cafeteria.
Q. I am a woman who has never had a mammogram. At what age should I begin screenings?
A. You should begin scheduling annual mammograms starting at age 40. If, however, you have a first degree relative (mother or sister) who has been diagnosed with pre-menopausal breast cancer, you should start screenings 10 years prior to the age of that relative's diagnosis. For instance, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, you should begin screenings at age 35. It is important to remember that mammography is only one part of breast cancer screening, which also includes regular physician check-ups and breast self-examinations.
Q. What role does genetics play in breast cancer susceptibility?
A. 10 percent of all breast cancers are related to one of two abnormal genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. There is a 65-85 percent chance that a person with one of these genes will get breast cancer. We follow these patients closely with mammograms, ultrasound and MRI. Patients with these genes should speak with their primary care physician and a genetic counselor to discuss an appropriate course of action, which could include breast or ovary removal. There are many other risks to consider before a decision to operate is made
Q. What are some of the other major breast cancer risk factors?
A. Aside from having one of the two abnormal genes, there are three major risk factors that we must take into account. A woman is at greater risk for breast cancer if she has a first degree relative with breast cancer, if she has had a biopsy that shows atypical changes in the breast, or if she, herself has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is imperative, however, to keep in mind that two thirds of all breast cancers occur in women who have no significant risk factors.
Q. How is MRI used for breast cancer screening? Is it used as an alternative to mammography?
A. MRI can be used for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer prior to surgery to evaluate the extent of the disease and to help plan the appropriate surgery. It is also used prior to surgery to evaluate tumor response in patients being treated with chemotherapy. MRI functions as a problem solving tool when a patient has a lump that can not be seen with mammography or ultrasound, or when mammography leads to ambiguous findings. The usefulness of MRI as a screening tool is being evaluated in clinical trials. It may be found to be helpful for patients who are at high risk for breast cancer, or who have dense breast tissue. Most importantly, MRI is to be used in addition to, not as a replacement for, mammography. |
