A mammogram is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-Ray system for examination of the breasts. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis, primarily through the use of mammograms. Screening mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

Guidance around the frequency of breast cancer screening has become a much debated topic in recent years. As a nationally accredited Breast Center of Excellence, Southtowns Radiology Women’s Care follows the guidance of the American College of Radiology (ACR) with regard to breast cancer screening.

We recommend that all women receive a baseline mammogram, followed by annual breast cancer screening starting at age 40.

All mammography appointments also include a personalized 10-year and lifetime risk assessment.

This will help you and your healthcare provider understand the best plan for breast cancer screening, based on your personal risk. Learn more on our Breast Imaging page.

Genius 3D Mammography

We are proud to offer Genius 3D Mammography (tomosynthesis) to women in Western New York. We are the only medical imaging provider in Orchard Park and West Seneca that uses 3D technology, which allows our radiologists to view breast tissue more clearly, increasing our chance of catching cancers even smaller than before.

Genius 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40%. This means one simple thing: early detection. Genius 3D mammography is the first and only clinically superior 3D mammography approved by the FDA. Genius 3D mammography allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers and precancerous cells significantly more clearly than conventional 2D mammography. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with traditional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.

Gentle. Compassionate. Experienced. That’s #TheSouthtownsDifference.

Request an Appointment

There are important risk factors to consider when thinking about breast health and breast cancer screening.



Being female



Aging



Dense breast tissue



Increased weight after menopause



Family history of breast cancer*

Doctors use various breast cancer risk assessment tools to evaluate a woman’s personal lifetime risk of developing breast cancer based on factors such as age, history of childbirth or family history.

At Southtowns Radiology, we use the Tyrer-Cuzick model (version 8), which incorporates breast density into the equation when determining risk of developing breast cancer over a ten year period. To learn more, visit the online Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Evaluation Tool.

*Although it is important to note that this only pertains to 5-10% of diagnosed cases of breast cancer

It’s a good idea to talk with your provider regularly about your breast health.

We encourage you to start a conversation about breast health with your primary care provider and your OB/GYN as soon as you become a patient. It is important to share any family history of breast cancer as early as possible, and equally imperative that you reach out to your provider if you notice changes in your breasts at any time. Because you know your family history, your lifestyle and your body like no one else, you are your own best healthcare advocate. If you know that you have multiple risk factors to consider, it’s a good idea to ask about mammograms and breast screening – do not assume your provider will come to you with this information.

Additionally, if you have dense breast tissue, you should talk with your doctor about a routine ultrasound with your annual mammogram. For women with dense breasts and those with certain risk factors, breast ultrasound is a tool for additional breast cancer screening. Along with a mammogram, the two scans together can give a radiologist a more complete picture of the breast in order to diagnose disease. An ultrasound uses no radiation, which is an important consideration for some patients, especially women of childbearing age. If you have questions about dense breasts, or for more information, visit the Breast Imaging section of our website.

When deciding where you will go for breast imaging, it’s important that you find an imaging center that is:

Using only 3D mammography
A nationally accredited Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology
Committed to same-day, in-person, or next-day results
Is close to work or home

Southtowns Radiology is the only medical imaging provider in Orchard Park and West Seneca that uses 3D technology.

We also offer same-day results for diagnostic mammograms, and for the majority of screening mammograms (with the exception of evenings and Saturdays). We understand how important it is for you to know the outcome of your breast imaging before you leave. And, if we find something that needs another look during breast imaging, we can usually arrange an ultrasound or biopsy within the same day.

With locations in Hamburg and Orchard Park, we are easily accessible to most communities south of Buffalo and are 20 minutes or less away from West Seneca, East Aurora, Angola, Blasdell, Eden, Lake View, Derby, Elma, North Collins, Silver Creek, Boston and Springville. When needed, we are able to perform ultrasounds and/or bone density screenings during the same appointment (please ask for this when scheduling).

Typical insurance coverage and out of pocket cost for mammograms and other breast imaging you should consider include:

Most insurances, including private plans and plans participating in the New York State of Health marketplace, cover the cost of annual screening mammograms. Individuals enrolled in New York State Medicaid are also able to receive an annual mammogram that is fully covered. Patients who need help covering the cost of their mammogram, or diagnostic imaging that may be needed as a result of a mammogram, are encouraged to call the Erie County Cancer Services Program at 716.858.7376.

Additionally, New York State has issued guidance for breast health and annual mammography screening via their “Get Screened, No Excuses” program, which was enacted for all New Yorkers. For more information visit the NYS Breast Cancer Programs site.

We are In-Network with all major insurance carriers, including Independent Health, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield, Univera, Aetna, United Healthcare and more. For a comprehensive list of insurances we accept, if you have questions regarding insurance for a mammogram, or billing questions regarding another service we provide, please visit our Billing & Insurance page. You can also call the customer service number on your insurance card and talk directly with a representative there.

Before your breast imaging, you should know:

When you arrive for your breast imaging, it’s essential that you have your script with you. If you don’t have your script, please call the provider who ordered your imaging to ensure that one can be faxed to our office at 716.649.9005 before your appointment.

During your study, your technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. The technologist will view the images of your breasts at the computer workstation to ensure quality images have been captured for review. A radiologist will then examine the images and will send a copy of your results to the provider who ordered your breast imaging. In most cases, you will also be told of your imaging results while at our offices (with the exception of later evening and Saturday appointments when you will hear from us the next day). If there is need for further testing, we will do our best to accommodate it while you are in for your scheduled appointment.

R

Prescription Required

R

No Dyes or Injections

R

No Fasting Necessary

R

Approximately 10 Minute Exam

R

Mammography

3D Mammography is available at these locations:

Hamburg

3D Mammography

Diagnostic & Screening Mammography

Orchard Park