Mammography

Centegra Supports Breast Health

A mammogram is a special X-ray that provides the sharpest images of the breast’s inner structure. Regular mammograms are a proven way to detect breast cancer at an early stage and are superior to breast palpation alone. Mammograms are especially important if

  • You are over 40
  • Have a family history of breast cancer
  • Notice a change in your breasts

Mammograms detect abnormal breast tissue, such as tumors and cysts. They may also help differentiate benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) disease.All Centegra mammography facilities are equipped with the latest digital mammography technology, including 3-D breast imaging, and are accredited under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

All of Centegra Health System’s Mammography locations have been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.At Centegra, we make mammograms as comforting and easy as possible to lessen any stress you may have as you anticipate your annual screening. Check out our Special Mammogram Experience and Mammo Mondays! We know that breast cancer is easiest to treat when it’s caught early. The best way to ensure optimal breast health is to schedule annual mammograms.

Our Women’s Centers are staffed by caring Associates who respect your time and privacy. We walk you through the mammogram process and answer any questions you may have. Our mammography technologists have 250 years of combined experience!

Schedule your mammogram today.  Call  (815) 334.5566.

When patients are anxious, need more education or have a diagnosis of cancer, our Breast Health Navigator steps in. The Breast Health Navigator is a Centegra Associate whose job is dedicated to supporting and educating women about breast health.

Patient Satisfaction: A Top Priority

Centegra is dedicated to the well-being and satisfaction of our patients. We offer many benefits to ease you through the mammogram process.

  • Daily, evening and Saturday hours to fit most schedules
  • Same-day or walk-in appointments often available
  • More comfortable mammograms using specialized equipment
  • Timely results

MammoPad ®

Centegra uses the MammoPad ® to provide every individual woman with a softer, warmer, more comfortable mammogram. Designed by a female breast surgeon, the MammoPad ® is FDA-cleared, and studies have found that three out of four women experience a 50 percent decrease in discomfort with MammoPad ®.

What to Expect

Centegra’s Women’s Center has a caring, engaged staff who are committed to providing excellence in making each patient’s experience one of warmth, reassurance and information. This special area has been designed to focus strictly on women with an emphasis on breast health.Whether this is your first or 50th mammogram, you may have questions about the test. Our technicians support you throughout the process and help you feel comfortable. Each woman who receives a mammogram at Centegra is treated with respect and compassion.

  • A Centegra Associate accompanies you to a private room.
  • You are provided with a cape that promotes privacy and warmth during your exam.
  • The mammogram machine’s tube-like cylinders are adjusted to your breast size.
  • The mammogram takes just seconds to complete on each breast. It is generally painless, although women with smaller breasts may experience some discomfort because they have less breast tissue.
  • After your mammogram, you may continue with your normal daily activities without restrictions.
  • You will be provided with a follow up letter or a phone call from our facility within 7 business days of your appointment.
  • If you have a specific breast issue and are scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist will speak directly to you about your results at the conclusion of your exam.

Tips for a better mammogram

  • Deodorant may interfere with the mammogram. Please try not to wear it to your test. If you do forget, you will be given a  cleansing wipe to remove the deodorant.
  • Do not consume caffeine for 12 hours before the test.
  • If your breasts tend to be tender around your menstrual cycle, you may want to schedule your mammogram accordingly.

Meet Centegra’s Breast Health Navigator

Lynn Griesmaier, RN, MS, the Breast Health Navigator at Centegra Health System, plays a special, supportive role in educating you and your family about options for treatment and support services while helping decrease anxiety. She also works closely with you and your physician to make you are on the same page. Lynn’s wise words often serve as a wake-up call to women who need to schedule a mammogram.

“While more women get mammograms, many are waiting well past the recommended ages and have more advanced or larger breast tumors. This is often due to fear, lack of financial resources or not having a doctor. A mammogram is vital to a woman’s health, and 35 is a good age for a first mammogram to create a baseline for future comparisons.”Lynn Griesmaier, RN, MS, Breast Health Navigator, Centegra Health System

Mammo Mondays

Centegra’s Mammo Mondays are a convenient and fun way to maintain breast health. The program is designed to provide the support of other women in a relaxed environment. Bring a group of co-workers, plan a girls’ night out or bring members from a community organization to receive a mammogram. Mammo Mondays will also soon be extended to companies that partner with Centegra.To schedule an appointment with a group, contact Lynn Griesmaier, Centegra Breast Health Navigator, via e-mail: lgriesmaier@centegra.com or phone: (815) 788-2290.

Convenient locations

Each of Centegra’s mammogram locationsoffers women the same high-quality experience.

  • Centegra Hospitals are located in McHenry and Woodstock
  • The  Centegra Gavers Breast Center  in Crystal Lake and the Centegra Health Center – Huntley are two convenienct Outpatient centers.
  • To schedule an appointment at any facility, please call (815) 334.5566.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mammography give off unsafe radiation?

Mammograms use what we consider “safe radiation” that involves no risk of cancer.

If I’ve had a normal mammogram, do I really need another one?

Every woman older than 40 needs an annual mammogram. One mammogram does not mean breast cancer is no longer a threat to you. In addition to mammograms, you should should perform self-examinations to check for unusual breast symptoms.

Is a mammogram painful?

Mammograms may cause mild discomfort in some women, but they are not painful. Centegra’s Associates are dedicated to keeping you comfortable throughout your mammogram.

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