Mammograms
-
- Tweet
Family Care of Fairview
Family Practice located in Asheville, NC
A mammogram helps detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, providing you with life-saving treatments. Consult Family Care of Fairview to get this important screening exam. The providers help residents around Asheville, North Carolina, undergo the procedure in a compassionate and caring environment. Call the office today to learn more about the procedure.
Mammograms Q&A
What’s a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that detects changes or abnormalities in your breast tissue that could indicate cancer. A mammogram allows the doctor to detect lumps that may not be felt by touch.
When do I need one?
The American Cancer Society recommends women and their doctor discuss having yearly mammogram screenings between the ages of 40-44. When you reach age 45 and until you’re 54, you definitely should have yearly screenings. After age 55, you may choose to continue annual exams or switch to 1 every 2 years.
Does it replace self-exams?
A mammogram should not replace your normal self-exam or the exam done by your doctor during your annual check-up. You’re the best judge on how your breasts feel and look, and can sometimes detect changes that don’t show up during a screening.
If I get a call-back after a mammogram, does it mean I have cancer?
Not at all. A suspicious spot simply warrants more tests, including a possible biopsy, where cells are extracted and sent to a lab for further analysis. Your mammogram may have been unclear or the doctor noticed an abnormality that’s just a cyst or calcification — not cancerous masses.
Is it safe to have regular mammograms?
Technology today uses low radiation to get quality x-rays. That being said, a mammogram does subject you to radiation, though not at levels that are likely to cause health issues. Plus, the benefits of detecting cancer early outweighs any potential risk.
What if I’m younger than 40 and the doctor recommends a mammogram?
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, or you or the doctor detected an abnormality on a self-exam, you might undergo a diagnostic mammogram to check for a possible suspicious lump. If you’ve had breast cancer in the past, you may also have regular diagnostic mammograms.
Does a mammogram hurt?
To get the best picture possible, the x-ray machines used for mammograms compress your breasts to spread the tissue. The procedure can be slightly uncomfortable and awkward, but it doesn’t usually hurt.
Insurance
*MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED*
During each visit to our office, please be prepared with your most current insurance card. You will be asked to confirm your address, phone number, and insurance coverage every time you visit our office during check in. We appreciate your cooperation as we strive to provide the highest level of care from start to finish by preventing unnecessary demographic mistakes that can prevent/delay claim payment resulting in incorrect billing. This also assures that we are able to reach you with pertinent health-related information in a timely manner.
Words from our patients
-
"I have been taken care of by Family Care of Fairview for about 10 years. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Thanks for your great care."
-
"I've been a client here for the last three years and am very satisfied with the level of care that I have received. I will continue to go here for as long as I can."
-
"Love being a part of Family Care of Fairview. They strive to provide the best experience possible for you. Check them out!"
-
"The staff made me feel very comfortable and the doctor was great too."
-
"Awesome staff. The doctor recommended a sleep study and I had the worst apnea he'd seen. Now I'm sleeping with a machine and my life has changed for the better."
