Mammograms

Scheduling

Routine breast cancer screening is recommended for individuals 40 and above. Referrals are not required for a routine screening mammogram and/or screening ultrasound (for dense breast tissue) for Yale Health members. If you are having issues or have concerns please call and ask to speak to the triage nurse.

All of the facilities below use state-of-the-art tomosynthesis (3D) mammography.

Call 203-688-1010 to schedule your mammogram at one of these locations.

Give the mammography center your primary care provider’s or Ob/Gyn clinician’s name so your results can be forwarded to them. If Yale Health is not your primary insurance, please verify coverage and the need for a referral with your primary insurance company.        

All other breast imaging requires a referral.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a safe test to screen for breast cancer, which uses a low-dose x-ray machine to take pictures of an individual’s breasts. Mammograms allow radiologists to look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue. They can show small lumps or growths that may not be felt during a clinical breast exam.

When should I get a mammogram?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average-risk persons with breasts initiate mammography screening at age 40.

Screening mammography should occur at least once every two years and as frequently as once a year. You can discuss frequency with your provider.

Screening should continue through at least age 74. Individuals 75 and older should discuss with their provider whether continued mammograms are appropriate based on their individual health factors.

Individuals at increased risk should review their screening program with their provider. 

How is a mammogram done?

The radiological technician places one breast at a time between two plastic plates, which press the breast to flatten it. You will feel pressure and possibly some discomfort for a few seconds. The flatter your breast is, the better the picture. Usually, two pictures are taken of each breast, one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram appointment takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You will receive your screening mammogram report in MyChart or by mail. Occasionally additional views are needed and patients are asked to return.

If you are afraid or nervous about feeling pain during your mammogram please discuss this with the technologist before the examination. The technologist will work with you to make you as comfortable as possible while still taking good-quality images.

Preparing for your mammogram

When you make your appointment, you will be given instructions you may need to follow before you go. Some general guidelines include:

Before your mammogram, discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your primary care clinician or Ob/Gyn clinician. In addition, inform your clinician of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Make your appointment for one week after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be tender. If you have had a mammogram somewhere other than through the Yale-New Haven Breast Center, bring previous mammograms, breast sonograms, films, or discs and reports to your appointment. The radiologist needs the prior information in order to make comparisons to your current mammogram. Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam. Inform the technologist of your previous breast history. Wear a shirt and a separate bottom, rather than a dress. This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave other clothes on. Avoid coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks for a few days, before a mammogram. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness. Don’t wear deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your appointment, as these can cause shadows on the mammogram.

If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility when you make your appointment. You will need a technologist who is trained in x-raying patients with implants because breast implants can hide some tissue.