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UCompareHealthCare has incorporated information on mammography centers to assist in seeking and evaluating the right center for you. The background information we provide is compiled from reputable sources. UCompareHealthCare has referenced all information so that you can do additional research and become more involved with or become an advocate for quality healthcare.

When you select a mammography center you should request to see the "FDA certificate" at the clinic you select. The FDA certificate shows the clinic's equipment and staff meet federal standards and that your mammogram will be both safe and of high quality. Please note that the mammography centers in our database are only the ones certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a Certifying State. Certification indicates these centers meet a baseline quality standard for equipment, personnel and practices dictated under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and the subsequent Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act (MQSRA) amendments. These standards apply to the technologist who performs the mammography, the radiologist (MD) who interprets the results and the medical physicist who tests the mammography equipment.

In the process of your evaluation you might want to call the center(s) you are considering and make sure that you have an idea of the price for your mammogram. You should also make sure that the center accepts your current insurance carrier and if there are additional non covered charges and understand what they will be. Other information that might be helpful is the type of mammogram you are going to have. One kind is a "screening" and the other is a "diagnostic" mammogram. These are sometimes covered differently by some insurers. As an example, Medicare covers only one screening mammogram per calendar year. Check with your insurer and make sure you understand what they will cover and what you will be responsible for.

The following information is taken from the booklet provided by the Department of Health and Human Services , Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane (HFI-40), Rockville, MD 20857, "Quick Information for Your Health" and is provided to help supplement your research.

What Is A Mammogram?

A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray of the breasts. Mammograms are used to help find breast cancer early, when it may still be curable. Mammograms are recommended for women older than 40, even if they have no signs of breast cancer.

What About Younger Women?

Mammograms are also recommended for younger women who have symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of breast cancer.

Why Are Mammograms Important?

A mammogram can save your life. Mammograms can show tumors that may be cancer long before they can be felt. Treating tumors when they are still small makes curing cancer easier. You usually need to go to a special clinic to get a mammogram. The FDA inspects and certifies all places in the United States where mammograms are done. Look for the FDA certificate at the clinic where you go for your mammogram. FDA certification means the clinic's equipment and staff meet federal standards and that your mammogram will be safe and of high quality.

Who Gets Breast Cancer?

Any woman can get breast cancer. Each year, about 185,000 women in the United States get breast cancer and about 44,000 die from it.

You may be more likely to get breast cancer if you:

• Have a mother or sister who had breast cancer.
• Have inherited certain genes. These genes are more common in people with Jewish ancestors from Eastern Europe.
• Had your first menstrual period before you were 12.
• Stopped having periods after you were 50.
• Never had children or had your first child when you were over 30.
• Have had radiation treatments to your chest area.
• Also, the older you are, the more likely you are to get breast cancer. Remember, though, that one out of four women who get breast cancer don't have any of these risks.

Examinations Are Important

Three kinds of exams can help detect breast cancer:

• Mammography
• Doctor's exam
• Self-exam

It's important to have a doctor examine your breasts at least once a year. It's also important to examine your breasts yourself once a month. Some women find it's easiest to do this at the same time each month, for example, when your menstrual period ends.