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Mammograms Near You at Ballad Health
Being nervous about getting a mammogram or breast cancer screening is natural. Our friendly, welcoming staff is here to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Our breast imaging centers are designed for women with peaceful, women-only waiting rooms, private changing areas and full-coverage gowns.
Remember – you don’t need a doctor’s order for your mammogram screening. Just call us at 1‑833‑8‑BALLAD to schedule an appointment for a mammogram closest to you. If you're an existing patient, you can use the Ballad Health app through your MyChart account to schedule online.
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Biennial breast screening begins at age 40
Early breast cancer detection
Mammograms are one of the most common ways that physicians and care teams test for breast cancer. They're an important part of women's health because they help save lives by detecting cancer early, even when there are no warning signs or symptoms.
Early detection means less invasive treatment can be started right away, leading to life-saving outcomes.
Women should begin having mammograms and breast check-ups every other year at age 40, or earlier if they’re at high risk.
3D
Mammography
Top-of-the-line cancer detection
12
Breast imaging locations
Access throughout the Appalachian Highlands
What are breast cancer symptoms & high-risk factors?
Knowing the signs or factors that put you at risk for breast cancer is important, especially as you get older.
- A lump or mass in the breast or a lump in the underarm area
- Swelling of the breast
- Skin irritation, redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Breast or nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
- Nipple discharge other than milk
- Having a family or personal history of breast cancer
- Having dense breast tissue
- Early menstruation before age 12
- Late menopause after age 55
Why schedule your mammogram at Ballad Health?
Top-of-the-line 3D mammogram technology
Mammograms utilize low-dose X-ray technology to see inside the breast. Ballad Health utilizes the latest 3D technology at all of our comprehensive breast centers and at many of our women's centers for clearer images and easier detection.
Traditional 2D mammography could only take a single image in two directions, but 3D mammography allows the radiologist to view images of each breast from various angles, reducing the risk of false-positive readings. Learn more about 2D versus 3D mammography.
Schedule your mammogram appointment online or by phone
If you’re a current Ballad Health patient, it’s easier than ever to make a screening mammogram appointment on the Ballad Health app through your MyChart account. For new patients, call 1‑833‑8‑BALLAD and we'll help you schedule your breast test near you.
We have seven locations throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia offering mammography services, as well as a mobile clinic to reach rural areas with low-cost access to mammograms.
Financial support for breast screenings
Almost all mammogram screenings are covered by insurance or Medicare.
No insurance?
We’ve got you covered. Ballad Health has special programs to cover the cost of mammogram screenings and has partnerships with local health departments who also can help. If you require a free mammogram near you, we're here to help you find the resources you need.
High-quality care
Feel secure knowing your mammogram takes place at a Ballad Health location that’s accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology. Our accreditation means you can trust highly trained staff to perform your test the right way and use up-to-date equipment to get correct results.
Continuing care after your breast exam
Once your breast test is complete, your results are sent directly to your preferred doctor in addition to the results you'll receive in the mail for your own records.
If something abnormal is spotted in your mammogram, your doctor will schedule an appointment for more comprehensive testing to determine if further intervention is needed. Here are some of the other tests that we offer:
- Ultrasounds – Our comprehensive breast centers also offer breast ultrasounds, or sonograms, which use sound waves to produce images of structures within your breast. This allows your physician to check blood flow and detect abnormalities, like cysts. A breast ultrasound is often used alongside a mammogram when a change is seen or felt in the breast.
- Ultrasound breast aspiration – One of our breast radiologists will place an ultrasound probe over a cyst, numb the area with local anesthesia, and insert a needle into the cyst to withdraw fluid.
- Ultrasound breast biopsy – A breast radiologist will probe a region of interest, numb the area with local anesthesia and remove tissue for further examination under a microscope.
- Stereotactic breast biopsy – Abnormalities found on a mammogram can be biopsied by using a needle guided by computer technology.
What to expect during your mammogram
We understand that scheduling a mammogram can be a little intimidating, but we're here to guide you through the process and ensure your comfort every step of the way.
- Preparing for your appointment – Because the aluminum in deodorant mimics the appearance of calcifications, you're not allowed to wear deodorant to your appointment. Don't worry though, we offer complimentary deodorant so you can get right back in to the swing of your routine after your screening.
- Warm welcome – When you arrive at one of our state-of-the-art facilities, our friendly staff will greet you with a warm smile and make you feel right at home. You'll be asked to complete some paperwork, including your personal and medical information.
Schedule a digital mammogram near you today
Simply call for an appointment at 1‑833‑8‑BALLAD or, for current patients, schedule one online in the Ballad Health app through your MyChart account.
Frequently asked questions about mammography
A mammogram is a specialized breast cancer screening test that uses a low-dose x-ray to examine breast tissue for any signs of cancer or other abnormalities. At Ballad Health, we offer advanced 3D mammograms – also referred to as digital breast tomosynthesis – which provides a clearer, more detailed image by capturing multiple views of the breast from different angles.
By using this advanced form of the screening exam, we can detect abnormalities that may be hidden in dense breast tissue while reducing the chance of false positives.
Early detection saves lives. A screening mammogram can help your doctor identify breast cancer before any symptoms appear, allowing for less invasive treatment and better outcomes. Our preventive screening tests are designed to help us catch conditions like cancer early, even when there are no warning signs.
It's generally suggested that women start mammogram screenings every other year at age 40, or earlier if you’re at a high risk due to family history or other factors. Your doctor may advise you to receive a diagnostic mammogram if you have symptoms or an abnormal screening result.
You can find out if you’re at a higher risk for breast cancer by using our free online screening tool – it takes only a few minutes!
Women should get a screening mammogram every other year starting at age 40, unless otherwise advised by their physician. Regular screenings are key to early detection and successful treatment.
During your mammogram appointment, you'll be taken to a private dressing area and receive a full-coverage gown and locker to store your belongings. When it's time for your screening, a certified technologist will call you back, gently position your breast on a platform and use a compression paddle to help flatten the tissue for clearer images. After the images are taken, you'll return to your locker to gather your things. The process is quick and typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
A screening mammogram is quick and efficient, usually only taking about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. The actual imaging of each breast only takes a few minutes.
Yes, mammograms are completely safe. They use low-dose radiation and are approved by the American College of Radiology.
While you may feel mild discomfort from the compression of the breast, most patients describe the procedure as quick and manageable.
On a mammogram, breast cancer may appear as a mass, area of density, or calcification. Ballad Health uses computer-aided detection (CAD) to highlight any areas that may need a closer look.
It’s important to remember that not all abnormalities are cancerous, and that many turn out to be not harmful. Your care team will carefully review your results and guide you through any next steps.
If your mammogram results are abnormal, Ballad Health will guide you through the next steps. This may include another diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, MRI or stereotactic breast biopsy. Our compassionate teams are here to ensure you receive timely follow-ups and support throughout your care journey.
Yes, men can get mammograms, especially if they have symptoms or are at high risk for male breast cancer. Ballad Health provides inclusive care for all patients needing breast exams or imaging.