We understand the diagnostic process can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. Our Breast Health Navigator assists you through your journey. If a routine mammogram suggests additional imaging is necessary, our Breast Health Navigator will help you gain a better understanding about the imaging process and support you during this time. Because education remains so important in making decisions, our Breast Health Navigator serves as an important resource for you.

CMC’s Breast Health Navigator serves as a consistent contact person, advocate, and guide for you and your families. From biopsies to surgical intervention, medical oncology, radiation therapy and other services, our Breast Health Navigator is there to provide clinical expertise and support. Our Breast Health Navigator also helps you make appointments, schedule procedures, and connect all the dots of your care.

Even after you have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, the Breast Health Navigator is available to assist and support you with future check-ups and imaging services. Through the years, you’ll be supported just as you  were in the very beginning.

A team approach to breast cancer has become a standard throughout the United States as well as in our practice. Our multidisciplinary team consists of a team of radiologist, breast surgeons, medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, pathologists, breast navigators, nurses and more.

The CMC Center for Breast Health is a collaboration between breast care professionals from the following partners:

• Associates in Surgery
• Carolina Coastal Plastic Surgery
• Carolina Radiology
• Carolina Regional Cancer Center
• Coastal Cancer Center

Modalities:

• Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology
• Surgery
• Medical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
• Pathology

Preparation

To best prepare for your mammogram, please review the following:

• On the day of your appointment, please do not use any body deodorants, body powder or perfume. You can bring your deodorant with you and apply it after your mammogram is complete.
• For your mammogram, wear a two-piece outfit, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.
• If you have had a previous mammogram at another facility, please pick up the mammogram films or CD and bring them on the day of your appointment.
• Limiting caffeine intake for up to two weeks prior to your mammogram may decrease your discomfort as caffeine causes the breasts to be tender.

Your Appointment

• Bring your doctor’s order with you, if you have one. You do not need a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram.
• Bring proof of insurance coverage and picture identification.
• Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to appointment time for registration.

Some exams require a doctor’s order. Please review the following to determine if you need an order. Contact your doctor’s office if it is determined that you do.

An exam can be scheduled with or without a doctor’s order for an Annual Screening Mammogram if:

• You have no personal history of breast cancer
• You have no current breast problems or symptoms

A doctor’s order is required when:

• You are having a follow up exam performed
• You have a personal history of breast cancer
• You have any current breast problems or symptoms

Have you had a mammogram at another facility?

If you have had mammograms at another facility, it is recommended to contact that facility and request images be sent to the location of your upcoming appointment.

Patients with prior imaging have a more accurate interpretation and faster results, which means less anxiety.

Why it is important to obtain prior images?

Looking for Change/stability

• When viewing a mammogram image, radiologists evaluate the breast tissue to determine whether every spot or dot is a natural part of the breast tissue/density, benign findings such as cysts, fibrocystic tissue, or lymph nodes or something that has recently developed that could be cancer.
• If an area in your breast has changed significantly in the past year, it may be something the radiologist will want to take a closer look at. Alternatively, if a questionable area is seen, but has been present and stable over years, that can indicate a benign process that does not require additional workup
• Screening mammograms will be read once priors are received – this will cause a delay in getting your results.

Preventing Duplicate Work /Reduce False Positives

• If you have had mammograms done in the past, a previous radiologist may have marked areas of your breasts that look suspicious, only to conclude that the area is normal and benign. Without prior images, the current radiologist may recommend testing on the same area which could result in unnecessary exams and anxiously waiting days or weeks for additional testing.

Prior Images are REQUIRED in advance for Diagnostic Mammograms

• If you are scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram (as a follow-up to an inconclusive screening, or patients who are experiencing breast symptoms such as lump, dimpling, nipple inversion or discharge, consistent focal pain, etc, or following up from a recent cancer diagnosis) your prior images are required for direct comparison that is evaluated at the time of the exam. 
• This helps determine the best plan of action, specifically designed for you and your medical history
• Obtaining Prior Records

CD of images needs to be received prior to the appointment in order to allow time for uploading. Contact the facility/ imaging center/hospital and request your prior mammograms. You can usually have them mailed to you or directly to us at: (any questions about this process can be directed to medical records 843-347-8113/radiology file room 843-347-8308.

               Conway Medical Center Imaging Center  – Attn: Mammography

                300 Singleton Ridge Road-  Conway, SC 26526

Appointments- 843-234-5474
Breast Health Navigator- 843-234-7309
Clinical Questions or Concerns- 843-234-7309
Fax Orders- 843-234-5016
Mammogram Films & reports- 843-234-8308
Financial Assistance- 843-347-8170