A Mammogram Could Save Your Life
An annual screening can find breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Our breast radiologists, certified mammographers and genetic counselors all work with one goal in mind – protecting your breast health.
A mammogram, the most common screening method, is a convenient option that takes only a few moments. Sanford Health recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40 for average-risk women. Women at higher risk for breast cancer should work with their provider to decide what age to start having a yearly mammogram and if other screening exams may be needed.
If you notice something concerning, talk with your doctor right away.
What is a Mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of your breast. During a mammogram, your breast is gently squeezed between two plates to get a good picture. The screening takes a few moments, and most people experience only mild discomfort. Mammograms detect changes in the breast that are too small to feel or see.
The earlier breast cancer is caught, the more treatable it can be.
3D Mammography
At Sanford Heath, we offer a low dose 3D mammogram which allows our experts to detect breast cancer at its earliest and smallest stage. This revolutionary screening method can pinpoint the size, shape and location of irregularities with greater accuracy, especially for people with dense breast tissue.
Mobile 3D Mammography
We believe everyone, at every stage of life, deserves access to convenient, world-class care close to home. Using mobile mammography units, we bring 3D mammography to people in locations across South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota where the technology might not otherwise be available.
Mobile mammography appointments mimic that of traditional in-office appointments. Your total appointment, from the moment you arrive to the time you leave, typically takes 25 minutes.
See below for a list of locations our mobile mammography unit visits and the number to call to schedule an appointment.
Get Screened Near You
Mobile 3D Mammography Locations
Iowa
- Sanford Health Lake Park Clinic – (712) 832-9559
- Sanford Health Rock Rapids Clinic – (712) 472-3333
- Mercy One Primghar Medical Center – (712) 957-2335
Minnesota
- Sanford Canby Medical Center – (507) 223-7277
- Sanford Hawley Clinic – (218) 483-3564
- Sanford Health Adrian Clinic – (507) 483-2668
- Sanford Health Mountain Lake Clinic – (507) 427-3332
- Sanford Health Pelican Rapids Clinic – (218) 863-6100
- Sanford Health Twin Valley Clinic – (701) 866-5332
- Sanford Health Windom Clinic – (507) 831-2223
- Sanford Jackson Lakefield Clinic – (507) 662-6611
- Sanford Jackson Medical Center – (507) 847-2420
- Sanford Tracy Medical Center – (507) 629-8300
- Sanford Westbrook Medical Center – (507) 274-1100
- Sanford Wheaton Clinic – (320) 563-8226
North Dakota
- Sanford Health Enderlin Clinic – (701) 437-3320
- Sanford Health Gwinner Clinic – (701) 678-2263
- Sanford Health Hillsboro Clinic – (701) 636-5311
- Sanford Health Lamoure Clinic – (701) 883-5048
- Sanford Health Lidgerwood Clinic – (701) 538-4189
- Sanford Mayville Clinic – (701) 230-7100
- Sanford Health Oakes Clinic – (701) 742-3267
- Sanford Health Valley City Clinic – (701) 845-6000
- Sanford Health Wahpeton Clinic – (701) 642-7000
South Dakota
- Centerville Medical Clinic – (605) 563-2411
- Community Memorial Hospital – (605) 775-2621
- Douglas County Memorial Hospital – (605) 724-2159
- Falls Community Health – (605) 367-8793
- Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Health Center – (605) 997-2642
- Howard Community Health Center – (605) 772-4574
- Parker Medical Clinic – (605) 297-3888
- Pioneer Memorial Hospital and Health Services – (605) 326-5161
- Prairie Health Clinic – (605) 946-5959
- Sanford 32nd & Ellis Clinic – (605) 312-3455
- Sanford 4th & Sycamore Family Medicine – (605) 312-3455
- Sanford Brandon Clinic – (605) 582-5820
- Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center – (605) 764-1400
- Sanford Clear Lake Clinic – (605) 874-2141
- Sanford Harrisburg Clinic – (605) 743-5199
- Sanford Hartford Clinic – (605) 312-5600
- Sanford Health Beresford Clinic – (605) 763-3700
- Sanford Health Brookings Clinic – (605) 697-1900
- Sanford Health Canistota/USD Clinic – (605) 296-3025
- Sanford Health Clark Clinic – (605) 532-3676
- Sanford Health Estelline Clinic – (605) 873-2222
- Sanford Health Lake Norden Clinic – (605) 785-3633
- Sanford Health Lennox Clinic – (605) 312-3455
- Sanford Health Mitchell – (605) 996-0400
- Sanford Webster Clinic – (605) 345-4141
A Closer Look
Your provider may recommend alternative or additional screening options. And if we catch an irregularity, you’re in good hands. We offer a variety of screening and diagnostic services.
- Contrast enhanced mammogram: IV contrast medicine is given during a mammogram to make it easier to see more details. This test may be used for those who have a breast problem that was found on a mammogram, have symptoms or are at high risk for breast cancer.
- Breast MRI: A strong magnet, radio waves and a computer create detailed pictures of the breast tissue. If necessary, IV contrast medicine may be used to see more details.
- Breast ultrasound: Painless sound waves create a picture of the breast tissue. This test is often used to learn more about a concern found on a mammogram or during a breast exam.
- Diagnostic mammogram: A safe, low-dose x-ray used if you have a lump or other sign of breast problems (compared to screening mammograms you receive with no symptoms).
- Breast biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from the breast and sent to the lab to determine if the tissue sample is benign, cancerous or atypical.
After a diagnosis, our breast cancer specialists create a care plan unique to each patient. Learn more about breast cancer treatments we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get mammogram results?
A radiologist needs to examine the images from the mammogram and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you or send them.
By law, you will get your results in less than 30 days after the test, but it is usually much sooner than that. Feel free to ask your technologist how long it will take.
Are mammograms safe?
Mammograms only expose people to a tiny amount of radiation and are very safe.
Do mammograms hurt?
People report different amounts of pain, but most feel only mild discomfort.
Are mammograms safe with implants?
It is important to talk to your doctor about your breast implants before your mammogram. There is a small chance that your implants could rupture during a mammogram, but the benefits of the screening far outweigh this risk. Implants can also impede the radiologist’s ability to read the mammogram if the implant obscures part of the breast. If you have implants, you should still get screened once a year.
Are mammograms necessary every year?
Yes, you should start getting screened once a year after you turn 40 years old. Women at higher risk for breast cancer should work with their provider to decide what age to start having a yearly mammogram and if other screening exams may be needed.
Can mammograms miss breast cancer?
Mammograms are the best screening tool for detecting breast cancer. However, they can miss breast cancers in some cases. For example, dense breast tissue makes it harder to find cancer on a mammogram. Talk with your doctor if you're concerned about the accuracy of mammograms and what additional screening options are available.
How do mammograms detect cancer?
Mammograms create an image of your breast tissue using a smaller dose of radiation than the typical X-ray. Trained radiologists then examine the image, looking for abnormal tissue that could be cancer. A mammogram is a screening tool, so if an expert finds abnormal tissue, you’ll undergo more tests.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
- If possible, schedule your mammogram right after your period when your breasts are less tender.
- Wear a shirt with shorts, pants or a skirt that you can leave on when you undress from the waist up.
- Do not use deodorant, perfume, cream, lotion or powder on your breasts. They can cause shadows on the mammogram.
- Tell the mammogram technologist about any skin tags, scars or moles you have near your breasts.
How long does a mammogram take?
The test itself takes only a few moments. Technologists need to make sure they have high-quality images, and you may be asked to repeat a part of the test. You can expect the whole procedure to take less than half an hour.
Can I get a mammogram while pregnant?
Although it is very unlikely that a mammogram will harm your baby, mammograms aren’t typically done if you’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you’d still like to get screened while pregnant.