A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast, most often used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early — sometimes up to three years before a lump can be felt. It is recommended that women who are 40 and older get a routine mammogram every year.
Requesting a Mammogram Appointment
Are you at risk for breast cancer? Are you eligible for an annual mammography screening? If so, please fill out this form to request an appointment , or call 978-287-8107
Take this self-assessment to help determine your risk and screening eligibility .
What to Expect When You Get a Mammogram
In this podcast episode, hear from the technologists who perform mammograms as they share insight and tips on what to expect when you get a mammogram.
Subscribe to the Health Works Here Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcasts and wherever podcasts can be heard.
About Mammograms at Emerson's Hermel Breast Centers
Emerson Hospital uses the latest digital 3D mammography (called tomosynthesis) to better screen patients with dense breast tissue. This technology produces images that are higher in quality and lower in radiation dose — and reduces the need for repeat exams by up to 40 percent because it is so accurate. In addition, our board-certified radiologists use computer-aided detection to help find even the smallest abnormality and deliver the most accurate diagnosis possible.
The Hermel Breast Health Center's mammography services are available at the Hermel Breast Health Center in Concord and at the Hermel Breast Health Center in Westford . Notably, the Hermel Breast Health Center is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the Commission on Quality and Safety, and the Commission on Breast Imaging of the American College of Radiology — ensuring that we have met comprehensive national standards for quality. Learn more about Emerson Hospital’s comprehensive breast health services .
National Accreditation Program for Breast Center
Mammography Experience During COVID-19
VIDEO
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. Wearing a two-piece outfit makes this easier.
A technologist will bring you into a private exam room where you will stand at the mammography machine. The technologist will position your breasts for the mammogram. You and the technologist are the only ones in the room during the mammogram.
To obtain a high-quality image, your breast must be flattened. To do this, the technologist places your breast on the machine’s clear acrylic lower plate. The upper plate is lowered to compress your breast for a few seconds while the technologist takes a picture. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes. The actual breast compression lasts only a few seconds.
Two views of each breast are taken for a screening mammogram. For some women with large breasts or breast implants, more images may be needed. After your mammogram, you may dress and resume your normal activities.
Screening mammography is covered by insurance. If you are scheduled for a follow-up or call-back exam — which are considered diagnostic procedures — you should contact your insurance plan to determine your coverage (if there is a deductible or co-pay, for example).
Questions about mammography?
If you have any questions or concerns about mammography, we encourage you to contact us. Our experienced team will address your concerns candidly, respectfully and attentively. You can also learn more about mammograms on the
American Cancer Society website.
To obtain your mammogram results
Federal law requires mammogram facilities to send your results to you within 30 days, but you can usually expect to receive your results from us sooner.
If you need additional information, please call:
To obtain test results
By law, this requires a signed medical records release form and photo identification. If you need additional information, please call:
Please fill out the below form to request an appointment for a mammography at Emerson Hospital's Hermel Breast Center. A member of our staff will contact you during normal business hours.
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