Self-Referral Mammography
44,000 American women die from breast cancer each year.
You could be at increased risk of getting breast cancer if:
- Either you, your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer.
- You are over 50 years of age.
- Have never given birth.
- Did not give birth before age 30.
- Began menstruation before age 12.
- Have nipple discharge while neither pregnant nor nursing.
Studies show that mammography is the BEST method available for the early detection of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society recognizes the value of mammography and recommends the following guidelines for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer:
- Women who are 35 years old should have a baseline mammogram (i.e. a first mammogram) from which following mammograms can be compared.
- Women who are 40 to 50 years old should have a mammogram every other year.
- Women who are age 50 and older should have a mammogram every year.
St. Joseph's Introduces Self-Referral Breast Cancer Screening
Since 1985, St. Joseph's Department of Medical Imaging has performed over 18,000 mammograms. In May 1991, St. Joseph's established mammography services for women on a self-referral basis. A woman can now call and make an appointment herself at St. Joseph's for a mammogram.
Who qualifies for "self-referral mammography"?
Participants for self-referral mammography must be either:
- Between 35 and 40 years of age and have not had a previous mammogram for asymptomatic screening.
- Between 40 and 49 years of age and have not had a mammogram in the last two years.
- Fifty years of age or older and have not had a mammogram in the last twelve months.
Qualified, Experienced Staff
The mammography services of St. Joseph's Hospital are ACCREDITED by the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY. This accreditation ensures that mammograms performed at St. Joseph's meet national standards of quality assurance.
The mammography team at St. Joseph's consists of:
- A Board-Certified radiologist who will read your films.
- A licensed, registered radiologic technologist who will perform your exam.
- A licensed, registered oncology nurse from St. Joseph's Cancer Center who will provide a clinical breast exam and instruction on how to examine your own breasts.
- A quality assurance technician who ensures that your mammogram film is developed according to the high standards of the American College of Radiology.
How to Get an Appointment
Just call (607) 737-7813, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. for an appointment.
Arrive at St. Joseph's Hospital at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Report to the Outpatient Service Desk at St. Joseph's Hospital. Be prepared to give your name, address, date of birth, your doctor's name (if you have a doctor), and where and when you had your last mammogram.
Bring your insurance information with you.
Self-Referral Mammography at St. Joseph's is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.
Your Examination Results
The staff of St. Joseph's Self-Referral Mammography and Breast Evaluation Center uses a computerized mammography reporting system that guarantees follow-up recommendations for every mammogram patient.
The results of your mammogram will be sent to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor and the results are negative (meaning no suspicious tissue was found), St. Joseph's will send you your results; if your results are positive (meaning some suspicious tissue was found that requires further investigation), St. Joseph's will refer you to a doctor if you do not have one.
Special Instructions
On the day of your examination, avoid using antiperspirant, perfume or powder.
Wear a two-piece outfit, if possible.
Avoid caffeine for two weeks prior to the exam.
Bring previous mammograms, or have them sent to:
Department of Medical Imaging
St. Joseph's Hospital
555 East Market Street
Elmira, NY 14902
Call us direct: (607) 737-7813, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
