New health center offering on-the-spot mammograms on Saturday

Making an appointment is recommended, but walk-ins are available

Study shows routine mammograms could play role in detecting heart disease

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Too busy to schedule your annual Mammogram? A new health center wants to help.

HCA Florida Memorial Women’s Center is offering on-the-spot Mammograms on Saturday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Screening mammograms are considered preventative and typically are covered by most insurance. The cost of self-pay is $110.79, according to the center. Screenings are suggested for those ages 40 and up unless an individual has a strong family history of breast cancer, then it can be done sooner.

Related: Melanie Lawson gets mammogram on TV to raise awareness

Making an appointment is recommended at (904-702-6370), however, walk-in customers/patients will be accepted with little to no wait.

The center is located at 11876 Atlantic Boulevard in front of TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.

The new area women’s center offers state-of-the-art 3D mammograms, bone density tests and ultrasound exams. Click here to learn more about the health center.

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. (CDC)

How is a mammogram done?

You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure. The steps are repeated to make a side view of the breast. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram. Each woman’s mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different. (CDC)

What does having a mammogram feel like?

Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems. (CDC)