Frequently Asked Questions

About the Mammogram

Does it hurt to get a mammogram?

Images are taken while the breast tissue is compressed, so there can be some slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but, for the most part, it is not painful. Imagine the pressure of lying on your stomach on a hard surface; that is comparable to the level of compression used for imaging. If there is pain in the breast tissue when compression is applied, you should notify your technician immediately.

How long will it take to get my mammogram?

You should count on spending 20 to 30 minutes on the coach.

How long will it take to get the results?

Results should be available and mailed within two weeks of the screening.

Who reads the mammograms?

A board certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging reads mammograms. M. D. Anderson has many such specialists who are internationally recognized for their teaching, clinical and research contributions.

Will my doctor get the results?

We will mail a copy of results to the physician whose name you give at the time of scheduling the mobile mammogram.

Will my doctor receive the film?

Your film will only be sent to your doctor if you request that it be sent by the M. D. Anderson film library. Please see How to Request Film for more information.

Will I get the results?

Yes. A copy of your results will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Where will my film be located?

Film is stored in M. D. Anderson’s main film library, unless you request that it be mailed to another location for storage.

When will the film be read?

The film from the screening will be taken to the hospital, where it is processed usually within one to two business days. It will then be read by a board certified radiologist who specializes in mammography.

What do I do if I need my film?

Film can be requested for mailing from M. D. Anderson’s film library. Please see How to Request Film for more information.

Are mammograms free?

No. We will file your insurance, provided this service is covered for you, or you can pay out-of-pocket. If you have a large group who is receiving funding, we can bill you for the number of mammograms performed.

How much do mammograms cost?

The cost of a mammogram, if paid for out-of-pocket, is $110. Your insurance provider may pay more or less for the service, depending on the arrangements made with M. D. Anderson. Prior to screening, each patient should verify their coverage for mammogram services, and should inquire about deductibles or other costs that may be associated with the screening. If you have questions, contact your insurance provider or human resources representative.

How can I get a mammogram if I don’t have insurance?

Uninsured patients are still eligible to receive screening on the mobile unit if they are willing to pay out-of-pocket. If this is not possible, however, there are several agencies in the Houston area to assist in receiving healthcare. If a patient does not qualify for a Harris County Gold Card, she or he can seek assistance from non-profit organizations such as The Rose or the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Houston. Links to these organizations, as well as Harris County Hospital District, can be found at Useful Links.

How frequently should I undergo screening mammography?

Guidelines for women aged 40 and older suggest that screening mammograms should be performed yearly, unless indicated otherwise by a doctor. Women aged 30 to 39 should follow their doctors' advice about when to receive a screening mammogram, and how often to follow up with repeats.

If I don’t really have breasts, can I get breast cancer?

Yes. Anyone can get breast cancer, including men. Breast size has no effect on your likelihood of getting cancer. Cancer risk involves several factors, including lifestyle, family history and ethnic background. Two of the greatest risks for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older. For more information about breast cancer risk factors, please see Risk Factors.

Scheduling a Mammogram

Will the mobile unit come to a health fair, even if there are no mammograms scheduled?

No. M. D. Anderson is unable to send the mobile unit for appearances or to accept walk-on patients. Prior to coming to a site, we must have at least 25 confirmed screenings with payment and insurance status verification. If your organization needs information about cancer, or needs a speaker about breast health, visit the Public Education website and select Request Materials or Request a Speaker.

How can I schedule the mobile unit to come to my business or organization?

If you have seen a need for the women and/or spouses in your business or organization and would like to set up a screening, call Melissa Lofton, the marketing representative, at (713) 745-9782, for further assistance. Please keep in mind when scheduling that the mobile unit is generally booked three to six months in advance.

If the mobile unit no longer comes to my place of business, can I schedule an appointment with another company near me?

If you work for a business that no longer uses the mobile unit, please check with your employee health or benefits department to see why the unit is no longer coming. It could be simply that your coordinator has left the company, and no one has volunteered to serve as replacement. Another reason could be that your insurance plan has changed, no longer covering mobile mammography.

If the reason is that the coordinator position has been left unfilled, M. D. Anderson encourages you to find someone to fulfill those duties so that more employees from your company can be screened. If it is not possible for the mobile unit to come to your place of business, you can call the marketing representative to discuss options for scheduling the mobile unit. Companies which have coordinated the mobile unit's time will have priority in filling appointments; after that, add-ons may be considered, depending on circumstances.

My doctor has written a referral for me for another imaging clinic. Do I have to go there, or can I get my mammogram from M. D. Anderson?

A referral is a recommendation to receive services, but it does not prevent you from going someplace other than that recommended. If your doctor has recommended a screening mammogram, M. D. Anderson’s Mobile Mammography Unit is a certified screening location, and appointments can be made by calling our screening line. If your company / group has not yet set up a screening day, this would be a good time to find out what the level of interest is and volunteer to coordinate the date.

Mammogram Technology at M. D. Anderson

Does the mobile unit have a digital system?

Not at this time. The mobile unit utilizes analog technology to process screening mammograms, much like that used in the clinic.

Why does the mobile unit not have a digital system?

At this time, the analog system serves our patients as well, if not better, than a digital system. If, in the future, M. D. Anderson feels that it would serve our patients better, bringing in a digital system will be considered. At no time would M. D. Anderson allow patients to be screened using a technology that might be considered inferior, regardless of the modality.

Is digital mammography less painful?

No. Digital mammography uses compression for imaging purposes, which does not eliminate the pressure factor in imaging.

What is the difference between digital and film mammography?

The basic difference is that digital mammography uses no film. Digital mammography records and stores images in a computer database, whereas in traditional mammography the image is recorded on film. For most patients, there is no difference in screening accuracy between the two methods.

Is film as good as digital?

Both types of images are useful to radiologists. Many factors determine which system is best for a patient. Consult your doctor and/or a radiologist about which option is best for you. 

Is the equipment the same as in the hospital?

Yes. We use the Lorad MIV on the mobile unit, which is the same as that used in the clinic.

Is the quality of mammography on the mobile unit the same as that in the hospital?

Yes. The quality of screenings performed on the mobile unit, as an American College of Radiology accredited facility, must meet the same guidelines and standards as those in the clinic.

Do you process on board to see if my film is okay?

No. Film is returned to M. D. Anderson for development and evaluation by our radiologists.

What happens if a film doesn’t turn out well, if there are problems due to motion, artifacts, processor failure, etc.?

If there is any sort of abnormality in the film, a technical repeat is issued for the patient, and a new screening mammogram will be performed.

If my report says I need additional imaging, does that mean they found breast cancer?

Not necessarily. Additional imaging can be requested for several reasons, including a technical repeat associated with your case. Some types of breast tissue require more views, as do breasts for which there is no prior film for comparison. Generally, the more images you have of a breast, the better the screening. After more views of the breast are taken, a radiologist can order different types of testing and imaging if needed.