A screening mammogram ONLY will be available for women who have no current symptoms or breast problems. Diagnostic mammogram, needed to evaluate a breast problem or revisit a previous abnormal finding, will NOT be available on the mammogram van. (If a woman is in need of a diagnostic mammogram, Hartford Health care can help to arrange this specialized mammogram at a different location). Grant funding is available for patients who do not have insurance and are interested in having a mammogram on the mobile mammogram van.
Please call 860-785-8383 ext 216 for registration, or if you have any questions.
PATIENT ELEGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY:
Patients between the ages of 35- 39 need one mammogram performed during this time. After age of 40, early detection tests are carried out annually.
· Women 35 years of age and older.
· Last mammogram was more than one year ago and was normal/negative.
· Patients who had a diagnostic breast work-up at the last mammogram with negative results and who received a recommendation to return in 12 months.
· Patients who had a breast biopsy or surgery more than two years ago and have been told everything is clear/benign and they can resume annual routine screening mammograms. Or patients who have had a breast biopsy less than two years ago, but have had a normal screening mammogram since. In either case, the report must be available to the technologist before the patient has a mammogram on the van.
Who should not be scheduled to have a mammogram on the van:
· Prior breast surgery: Unless the above criteria regarding breast surgery are met, the patient should have their screening mammogram at a diagnostic facility.
· Pregnancy: Wait 6 months after childbirth or 6 months after finishing breastfeeding.
· Breastfeeding: Wait 6 months after breastfeeding is terminated.
· Previous breast cancer: Patients who have a history of breast cancer should be referred to a diagnostic facility.
· Symptomatic patients: Patients with breast lumps, masses, calcifications, focal pain, etc.
· Abnormal breast exam: Any patient with an abnormal breast exam should be referred to a facility that offers diagnostic testing and has a radiologist on site.
· Any patient requiring a six-month follow-up or additional views from the last mammogram must be scheduled at a facility with a radiologist on-site to evaluate the films.
Preparing for your visit:
Please do NOT apply underarm deodorant, powders, ointments, or creams to your chest area on the day of your scheduled exam. These products can show up on the images.
A two-piece outfit is preferable since you only need to undress from the waist up. Please remove all jewelry and other items to avoid possible interference from metal fasteners in clothing.
If there are prior mammograms, it is essential to have films from the last mammogram for comparison. If the films are not available, a baseline mammogram will be performed. You will be asked to sign a form permitting us to obtain your prior mammograms for comparison review.
