Mammograms are specialized low-dose x-ray images of the breast used to detect breast cancer and other issues. They are often performed regularly as a screening tool in healthy women to ensure early detection of cancer. Sometimes it can be detected years earlier than can be noticed on self-breast exams. They are also performed as part of an evaluation when a breast problem arises, such as a lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge.
The Kent Breast Health Center uses advanced 3D mammograms called digital breast tomosynthesis. This gives our radiologists a three-dimensional look at breast tissue versus the traditional two-dimensional images, which means they have a clearer and more comprehensive view. The result is earlier detection and decreased false positives. Findings on a mammogram require needle biopsy. When found at its early, breast cancer treatment often requires less surgery, radiation, or drug treatment.
The Breast Health Center at Kent
455 Toll Gate Road
Warwick, RI 02886
P: (401) 336-6699
F: (401) 736-4519
Care New England Medical Group Primary Care and Specialty Services
Pawtucket Memorial Campus
111 Brewster Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
3D Mammogram technology for enhanced early detection of breast cancer
Assessment of your breast density and lifetime risk of breast cancer
Prompt results to you and your doctor
Appointments are available 6 days a week.
Want your results before you leave?
Kent offers the convenience of undergoing any necessary additional imaging the same day of your mammogram instead of returning for multiple appointments. Request an appointment earlier in the day (Monday-Friday before 2 pm), and you will be offered immediate results. Our on-site radiologists will review and interpret your images while you wait. On average, our patients wait 15 minutes. If any additional imaging is needed, you will be offered the opportunity to complete it the same day.
Don’t want to wait?
Kent provides all mammogram results within 24 hours, and instant access is available on the patient portal. You can view it, and all of your Care New England results at My Chart. A letter will also be mailed to you and should be expected in 2-3 days.
If your mammogram results are not normal, our staff will immediately begin working with your provider to arrange the next steps for further evaluation, including additional mammograms or ultrasounds and even biopsies if necessary. If there are any concerning findings at that time, our on-site radiologist will discuss these results and recommendations with you directly before you leave.
Our patients are often diagnosed within one week of their mammogram.
Not long ago, a woman might require several visits over many weeks before receiving a diagnosis. One visit for her screening mammogram, one visit for additional confirmatory imaging, one visit for a biopsy, and then have to wait for those results too. This led to a significant amount of time waiting, not to mention anxiety. Nearly all breast imaging practices in the U.S. operate in this manner, but patients deserve better. We strive to streamline this process to provide efficient and timely answers and provide the best care.
The Kent Breast Health Center provides an estimated lifetime risk of breast cancer for all patients that undergo mammograms. This risk assessment is a calculation that takes into account personal history, family history, and other risk factors in order to provide an estimated chance of developing breast cancer. It can help you and your doctor chooses a screening regimen and preventative options.
If you think you may be at high risk of developing breast cancer, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about undergoing a risk assessment.
Women with a “high risk” of developing breast cancer are recommended to start screening earlier on a case-by-case basis. This may consist of annual mammograms and breast MRIs and/or ultrasounds, but the specific schedule is up to you and your doctor.
You may be considered “high risk” if you have any of the following:
