The best time to fight breast cancer is before it even begins. At Aurora, we’re using genetic testing, mammograms, breast imaging, and breast MRI to help low and high-risk individuals harness the power of preventive care. Because the best fight against breast cancer is the one that never has a chance to get started.
Our main preventive tool to spot early signs of breast cancer is a mammogram, which is an X-ray of your breasts. Mammography can spot cancer up to 3 years before you’d be able to feel a lump in your breast. That makes it one of the most effective ways you can protect your health and your life.
Being able to get your mammogram results the same day makes it easy to take control of your breast health.
Same-day results are available for screening mammograms only, and for patients scheduled Monday through Friday by 2 p.m. For mammograms performed after 2 p.m. or on Saturday or Sunday, next-business day results are provided. Patients must have a MyAdvocateAurora account to receive their same-day results, and patients who have had previous mammograms must ensure these images and reports are available to the radiologist at the time of their screening mammogram in order to receive same-day results.
If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you’re never alone. We make sure you have the answers and support you need by providing you with a personal cancer nurse navigator – a specially trained registered nurse who provides support, coordinates your care, and answers all of your questions and concerns.
All of our mammography locations are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), so they’ve gone through a rigorous testing review process to ensure adherence to nationally accepted standards. What’s more, many of our breast care centers are accredited by the National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers (NAPBC). This means our centers have met or exceeded quality standards established by the NAPBC, an organization committed to the highest measure of care for patients throughout all breast cancer stages.
See how Aurora is leading the fight against breast cancer with genetic testing:
When you visit us for your mammogram, our Safe Care Promise provides extra safety measures designed to ensure your visit is a safe one. Your health and safety is our highest priority. See what to expect.
Regular mammograms are the most effective way to prevent the signs, symptoms, and onset of breast cancer.
If you’re 40 or older, your doctor may recommend a mammogram every year. If a family member has had breast cancer or you have other breast cancer risk factors, you may need to start having mammograms earlier than age 40, or get them more frequently than once a year.
The most common signs of breast cancer are:
In addition to getting regular mammograms, it’s also a good idea to check your breasts yourself at least once a month.
During your diagnostic mammogram, you’ll remove your shirt and bra and stand in front of a large X-ray machine.
A technologist will position one of your breasts between two clear plastic plates, tighten the plates to flatten your breast, and then take X-ray images.
Next, the technician will repeat the process with your other breast.
Flattening your breasts gives your radiologist (the person who reads the X-rays) clearer, more detailed images. It’s normal to feel some pinching and pressure. If you feel severe pain, tell your technologist.
Mammograms usually take about 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll often get your results within a few weeks.
We recommend the following screenings for women at average risk for breast cancer:
Breast self-awareness: We encourage you to develop a general awareness of how your breasts look and feel, and to report any changes to your doctor. Changes could include a new lump or mass, skin dimpling, swelling, redness, or abnormal nipple discharge.
Clinical breast exams: Beginning at age 40, we recommend you get an annual breast exam by a doctor or other qualified health care provider.
Mammography: Aurora recommends women at average risk for breast cancer have a mammogram at least once every two years beginning at age 40. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer (for example, if breast cancer runs in your family), you may need to start having mammograms at an earlier age or get checked more often.
If it’s time for your regular screening mammogram, we recommend getting it before your first COVID-19 vaccine dose or four weeks after your second dose. A possible vaccine side effect is temporarily enlarged lymph nodes, which can appear on your mammogram and may prompt the need for additional imaging.
If you’ve already scheduled your screening mammogram or screening ultrasound, please keep your appointment. When you arrive, let the technologist know when you were vaccinated and in which arm you got your shot.
If you have new symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge or skin changes, contact your provider to discuss scheduling a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.
If you have known genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, both of which are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, or you have a history of radiation therapy to the chest, talk with your doctor about earlier and more intensive types of screening.
Genetic counseling: If you’re at a higher risk for developing breast cancer, you may want to speak with a genetic counselor about your preventive care options.
Breast imaging: Breast imaging includes mammography, ultrasonography and breast MRI.
Breast biopsy: During a breast biopsy, a radiologist or surgeon samples a portion of the high-risk tissue in your breast so they can further test for cancer.
Breast MRI: MRI can be used if you have a hereditary risk of breast cancer, or if you have dense breasts or scar tissue. Breast imaging is also helpful in determining the extent, size and distribution of newly diagnosed breast cancer.
These locations offer convenient access to mammography services near you and are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Call 414-747-7474 to schedule or sign in to the LiveWell app to schedule at any location.
Aurora Health Center
16985 W. Bluemound Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53005
Aurora Health Center Southern Lakes
709 Spring Valley Rd.
Burlington, WI 53105
Aurora St. Luke's South Shore
5900 S. Lake Dr.
Cudahy, WI 53110
Aurora Health Center
1881 Chicago St.
DePere, WI 54115
Aurora Health Center
210 Wisconsin American Dr.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Aurora Health Center
9200 W. Loomis Rd.
Franklin WI, 53132
Aurora Health Center
4202 W. Oakwood Park Ct.
Franklin, WI 53132
Aurora Health Center
215 W. Washington St.
Grafton, WI 53024
Aurora Medical Center
975 Port Washington Rd.
Grafton, WI 53024
Aurora BayCare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd.
Green Bay, WI 54311
Aurora Health Center – 84South
9000 W. Sura Ln.
Greenfield, WI 53228
Aurora Health Center
1640 E. Sumner St.
Hartford, WI 53027
Aurora Health Center
2700 Crooks Ave.
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Aurora Medical Center
10400 75th St.
Kenosha, WI 53142
Aurora Health Center
N84 W16889 Menomonee Ave.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Aurora Health Center
12203 N. Corporate Pkwy.
Mequon, WI 53092
Aurora Sinai Medical Center
945 N. 12th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
2900 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Aurora Health Center
1575 N. River Center Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Aurora Health Center
3003 W. Good Hope Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Aurora Health Center
1136 Westowne Dr.
Neenah, WI 54956
Aurora Health Center
14555 W. National Ave.
New Berlin, WI 53151
Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh
855 N. Westhaven Dr.
Oshkosh, WI 54904
Aurora Health Center
2600 Kiley Way
Plymouth, WI 53073
Aurora Health Center
8400 Washington Ave.
Racine, WI 53406
Aurora Sheboygan Clinic
2414 Kohler Memorial Dr.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Aurora Health Center
2000 E. Layton Ave.
St Francis, WI 53235
Aurora Health Center
1910 Alabama St.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic
36500 Aurora Dr.
Summit, WI 53066
Aurora Health Center
5300 Memorial Dr.
Two Rivers, WI 54241
Aurora Health Center
W231 N1440 Corporate Ct.
Waukesha, WI 53186
Aurora Health Center
900 E. Division St.
Wautoma, WI 54982
Aurora Health Center
3289 N. Mayfair Rd.
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Aurora West Allis Medical Center
8901 W. Lincoln Ave.
West Allis, WI 53227
Aurora Health Center
205 Valley Ave.
West Bend, WI 53095
These locations are accredited by the National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers (NAPBC).
Aurora Health Center Southern Lakes
709 Spring Valley Rd.
Burlington, WI 53105
262-767-6440
Aurora Medical Center - Grafton
975 Port Washington Rd
Grafton, WI 53024
262-329-1000
Aurora BayCare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd.
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-288-8000
Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha
10400 75th St.
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-948-7310
Aurora Sinai Medical Center
945 N. 12th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-219-2000
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
2900 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-649-6000
Aurora Medical Center in Summit
36500 Aurora Dr.
Summit, WI 53066
262-434-5000
Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh
855 N. Westhaven Dr.
Oshkosh, WI 54904
920-456-6000
Aurora West Allis Medical Center
8901 W. Lincoln Ave.
West Allis, WI 53227
414-328-6000