Breast Cancer Screening FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed About Your Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening plays an important role in early detection and better health outcomes. Whether you’re preparing for your first mammogram or navigating follow-up care, this page is designed to give you clear, reliable information every step of the way.

As a Fresno Unified School District health plan member, you have access to preventive screenings and supportive resources—often at no cost to you. Please see the information in this FAQ so you can better understand what to expect and how to take action.

Current recommendations state that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women should discuss with their doctor and weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests. Different screening recommendations may be used for women at higher-than-average risk.

Yes! You should get a mammogram even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Regular screening mammograms for women are designed to detect breast cancer early, often 2-3 years before a lump can be felt. Early detection significantly improves treatment options and outcomes.

Many women with breast cancer may not have symptoms, and their cancer is discovered by screening mammograms. There are some changes of the breast that can be suspicious for cancer. Men or women should notify their doctor if they have the following conditions:

  • A lump or mass in the breast or under the arm
  • Breast swelling or shrinkage of the breast
  • Changes in the breast’s skin, such as redness, flaking, dimpling, and thickening
  • Nipple discharge (leaking fluid) other than milk
  • A nipple that turns inward (nipple retraction), or is thickened or red

If you are under 40 or not in the recommended age group for routine screening but are experiencing symptoms like a new lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes, see a healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms override age-based screening guidelines, and diagnostic imaging (such as ultrasound or diagnostic mammography) can be ordered.

It is important to maintain a relationship with your primary care physician and discuss with them when it is the right time for you to be screened for certain cancers and conditions. If you do not have a primary care physician, please visit: https://jhmbhealthconnect.com/finding-medical-providers-for-your-ppo-plan/ to find an in-network provider. Your physician will provide you with a list of imaging centers you can contact to schedule your mammogram appointment.

We also recommend checking the WellPATH Onsite Mobile Mammography schedule as we currently offer four events a year for FUSD plan members, where we have onsite 2D screening mammograms available to those eligible. Please email WellPATH@jhmbhealthconnect.com or visit https://jhmbhealthconnect.com/wellpath/ for more information.

  • Avoid Products: Do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes on the day of the appointment.
  • Clothing: Wear a top with a skirt or pants so you only need to remove your top and bra.
  • Timing: If possible, schedule the exam for the week after your period when breasts are less tender.
  • Prior Records: If you have had previous mammograms at a different facility, bring those records or images with you.
  • Pain Management: If you are concerned about discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medication about one hour before the exam.
  • Information to Share: Be ready to inform the technician about any breast symptoms, changes, or if you are, or might be, pregnant.
  • Process: The procedure takes about 30 minutes, with only a few seconds of compression per image.
  • Comfort: You may be asked to remove jewelry.
  • Comfort Options: Some facilities offer cushions on the machine to increase comfort.
  • Alternatives: If you have limited mobility, the staff can assist with positioning.

Getting called back after a screening mammogram is fairly common, and it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer.

Often, getting called back after a mammogram just means more mammograms or other tests (such as an ultrasound) need to be done to get a closer look at an area of concern.

No, all in-network breast cancer screenings are covered at 100%—with no deductible.

This includes:

  • Mammograms
  • Breast ultrasounds
  • MRIs
  • Biopsies

You could be called back after your mammogram because:

  • The pictures weren’t clear or didn’t show some of your breast tissue, so they need to be retaken.
  • The radiologist (doctor who reads the mammogram) sees something suspicious, such as calcifications or a mass (which could be a cyst or solid mass).
  • The radiologist sees an area that just looks different from other parts of the breast.

If you do need more tests, ask your doctor about how quickly these tests can be scheduled. This can vary based on a number of factors, such as how busy the testing centers are in your area.

Getting called back is more common after a first mammogram, or when there’s no previous mammogram to compare to the new mammogram. It’s also more common in women who haven’t gone through menopause.

Sometimes when more mammograms are taken of an abnormal-looking area, or the area is compressed more, it no longer looks suspicious. In fact, most often the additional images show the finding isn’t cancer.

You’ll likely get another mammogram called a diagnostic mammogram (your previous mammogram was called a screening mammogram). A diagnostic mammogram is done just like a screening mammogram, but more pictures are taken so that any areas of concern can be looked at more closely. A doctor called a radiologist will be on hand to advise the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine), to be sure they have all the images that are needed.

You may also get another imaging test, such as an ultrasound of the breast, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your breast at the area of concern.

You will most likely be given the results of your tests during the visit. You might be told one of the following:

  • The suspicious area on the mammogram turned out to be nothing to worry about, and you can return to your normal mammogram schedule.
  • The area is probably nothing to worry about, but you should have your next imaging test (mammogram and/or ultrasound) sooner than normal—usually in about six months—to watch the area closely and make sure it’s not changing over time.
  • The area could be cancer, so you will need a biopsy (see below) to know for sure.

You’ll also get a letter with a summary of the findings that will tell you if you need more tests and/or when you should schedule your next mammogram.

During a breast biopsy, small pieces of breast tissue are removed and checked for cancer under a microscope. Even if you need a biopsy, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to find out.

There are different types of breast biopsies, some of which are done using a small, hollow needle and some that are done through a cut in the skin. The type you have depends on things like how suspicious the area looks, how big it is, where it is in the breast, other medical problems you might have, and your personal preferences.

Waiting for appointments and the results of tests can be frightening, especially if you were told the results of your first mammogram weren’t normal. You might have strong emotions, such as disbelief, anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness during this time. Here are some things to remember:

  • It’s normal to have these feelings.
  • Most often, breast changes are not cancer and are not life-threatening.
  • Talking with a loved one or a counselor about your feelings may help. Claremont EAP is a great resource to utilize. You may access Claremont EAP by phone at (800) 834-3773, or online at www.claremonteap.com.
  • Talking with other women who have been called back after a mammogram may help.
  • The American Cancer Society is a great resource that is available at 1-800-227-2345 around the clock to answer your questions and provide support.

To get a faster follow-up appointment after a mammogram, ask to be placed on the cancellation/waiting list for the imaging center and call back regularly to check for openings. Clearly communicate your anxiety to the scheduling staff, as they often expedite appointments for patients worried about results.

  • Request Cancellation List: Ask the radiology department if they have a cancellation list for diagnostic mammograms or ultrasounds.
  • Be Proactive: Call the scheduling department daily to ask if any spots have opened up due to cancellations.
  • Inquire About Other Locations: Ask if the same medical group has other imaging locations with sooner availability.
  • Use the Patient Portal: Check your online health portal frequently for scheduling options or to send a message to the nurse/doctor requesting a sooner spot.
  • Contact the Referring Doctor: If the radiology center is booked, have your primary doctor or gynecologist call to request an urgent, expedited appointment.

Remember, while waiting is stressful, being called back is common (about 10% of women) and does not necessarily indicate cancer.

If you do have breast cancer and you’re referred to a breast specialist, use these tips to make your appointment as useful as possible:

  • Make a list of questions to ask.
  • Take a family member or friend with you. They can serve as an extra pair of ears, take notes, help you remember things later, and give you support.
  • Ask if you can record the conversations. You might also want to take notes.
  • If someone uses a word you don’t know, ask them to spell it and explain it.
  • Ask the doctors or nurses to explain anything you don’t understand.

Take the Next Step

Preventive care is one of the most important things you can do for your health—and your plan makes it easier to access.

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