Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early detection is critical to successful treatment, which is why mammograms are an essential part of women’s healthcare. In addition, bone scans can help detect osteoporosis and other bone-related issues. At NovaMed Urgent Care, we offer referrals for mammograms and bone scans to help women stay on top of their health. In this article, we will discuss the importance of mammograms and bone scans, what to expect during the procedure.

Why are Mammograms Important?

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms appear. The American Cancer Society recommends women with an average risk of breast cancer to have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history, may need to start screening earlier and more frequently.

The image shows a mammography machine, an essential tool for the referral for a mammogram service in chicago urgent care, used for early breast cancer detection.

What to Expect During a Mammogram

During a mammogram, you will stand in front of an X-ray machine and your breast will be placed between two plates. The plates will compress your breast briefly to flatten it and hold it in place while the X-ray is taken. You may feel some discomfort during this process, but it should only last a few seconds. After the referral for a mammogram, a radiologist will review the images to check for any abnormalities. Your healthcare provider will then discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up tests or treatments.

Why are Bone Scans Important?

Bone scans are used to diagnose and monitor bone-related conditions, such as osteoporosis, bone infections, and bone tumors. Bone scans can detect bone loss before it becomes severe and can help identify fractures that may not be visible on X-rays. Women who are postmenopausal, have a family history of osteoporosis, or have taken corticosteroids for an extended period may be at higher risk for osteoporosis and may benefit from a bone scan.

A woman conducts a self-exam, illustrating the importance of breast health awareness, vital for referral for a mammogram treatment in mount prospect urgent care.

What to Expect During a Bone Scan

During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream. This material travels through your bloodstream and collects in your bones, making them visible on a special camera. The procedure is painless, and the radiation exposure is minimal. After the procedure, a radiologist will review the images and provide a report to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will then discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up tests or treatments.

A patient prepares for a mammogram with a technician, a service crucial for early breast cancer detection at referral for a mammogram service in illinois urgent care.

How NovaMed Urgent Care Can Help

At NovaMed Urgent Care, we understand the importance of regular screenings and tests for maintaining good health. Our healthcare providers can provide referrals for mammograms and bone scans to help women stay on top of their health. We also offer personalized attention and follow-up care to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.

According to the information

Regular screenings and tests are essential for women’s healthcare. Mammograms and bone scans can help detect breast cancer and bone-related conditions early, leading to better outcomes. At NovaMed Urgent Care, we offer referrals for mammograms and bone scans to help women stay on top of their health, and the best practices in terms of experience in this field. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Novamed Urgent Care, we offer referrals for both mammograms and bone scans. Our healthcare providers can guide you on when to start screenings and ensure you receive personalized follow up care based on your results. We’re committed to helping you stay on top of your health with timely referrals and thorough care.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with average breast cancer risk start annual mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may advise starting screenings earlier. Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Once your mammogram or bone scan is completed, a radiologist will review the images and send a report to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and may recommend follow up care or additional tests, depending on the findings, to ensure your health is properly managed.

During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream, where it travels through your body and highlights areas of your bones. This process is painless, and the radiation exposure is minimal. The scan helps identify bone damage or loss before it becomes severe.

Preparing for a mammogram is simple. You should avoid using deodorant, lotion, or powder on your chest before the procedure, as these can interfere with the X-ray images. It’s also helpful to wear a two-piece outfit for convenience, as you’ll be asked to remove your top for the exam.

Both mammograms and bone scans involve low levels of radiation, but the risks are minimal. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the small amount of radiation used. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual health status to determine the right screenings for you and ensure you’re safe throughout the process.

A bone scan is a diagnostic test that can detect bone-related issues like osteoporosis, infections, or fractures that aren’t visible on regular X-rays. It’s especially recommended for women at higher risk, such as those postmenopausal or with a family history of osteoporosis, to help catch bone problems early and prevent further complications.

While some discomfort may occur during a mammogram, the process is generally quick. Your breast will be compressed between two plates to take the X-ray, which can feel uncomfortable, but the sensation lasts only for a few seconds. This minor discomfort is a small price to pay for early detection of breast cancer.

Mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer, especially since the disease can develop without any obvious symptoms. Regular mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier for women at higher risk, can catch cancer in its early stages, improving treatment outcomes. Early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery.

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