Ensure Access to Appropriate Breast Imaging

At Moffitt Cancer Center, all screening exams are performed with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT sometimes called “3-D.”)  Screening DBT mammograms take less than 30 minutes, are performed by an expert team, and are reviewed by sub-specialized breast imaging radiologists. Next-day and evening appointments are available in an elegant environment with state-of-the-art technology at  Moffitt Cancer Center, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus and Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza locations.  

Moffitt Cancer Center recommends annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 for women at average risk. 

Breast Screening Prescription FAQs:

Screening Mammogram

What is the procedure?
Routine screening  digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) works by capturing multiple thinly sliced images through the breast, from several angles. Our sub-specialized breast imaging radiologists then review each image. 

Who is it for?
Screening mammograms are for patients with no symptoms or known areas of concern. Eligible patients cannot be experiencing any problems (pain, lumps, discharge, mass). For patients who have a personal history of breast cancer at any point in time, either a screening or diagnostic mammogram may be performed, depending on patient and provider preference. Female patients are eligible for screening mammograms and male patients undergo a diagnostic mammogram. 

Is a Rx needed?

• For women 40 or older, no prescription is needed. 
• For women under 40, a prescription may be required. 

Tailored Screening 

Who is it for?
Some women may be at increased lifetime risk for the development of breast cancer and/or have “dense” breasts. Breast density is the amount of breast tissue relative to the amount of fat. Mammograms are better at finding small, early cancers in women with more fat or “non-dense” breasts.  Women with dense breasts, and especially those with additional risk factors, often benefit from tailored screening.

What is included  in a tailored or supplemental screening?
Moffitt offers supplemental screening with breast MRI or ultrasound, which are performed in addition to annual screening mammography. Breast MRI has the highest cancer detection rate of all breast imaging exams across all breast density categories.  Conventional MRI is available to high-risk women with or without dense breasts. Abbreviated MRI (AB-MRI) is a lower-cost, shortened version of conventional breast MRI.  AB-MRI screening may be indicated in asymptomatic women with risk factors, such as dense breasts, but who are not considered high risk.  For those women whom MRI is contraindicated, we offer hand-held, whole breast screening ultrasound performed by a dedicated breast ultrasound technologist.

Is a Rx needed?

Yes. Any supplemental screening exam requires an order/prescription: “Bilateral Breast MRI,” “Abbreviated Breast MRI,” and "Bilateral Whole Breast Screening Ultrasound." This must be specifically written on the order/prescription. 

Find additional information on tailored breast screening.
Learn more about AB-MRI offered at Moffitt.

Diagnostic Mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is a more in-depth test and does require an order/prescription.

What does a diagnostic mammogram include? 
A diagnostic 3D mammogram allows for additional images of the area of concern. Our sub-specialized breast imaging radiologists then review the breast imaging in real-time, while the patient waits. For a palpable area or focal pain, an ultrasound may be performed after the mammogram is interpreted by the radiologist.

Who is it for?
Diagnostic mammograms are performed in a variety of situations including:

• Breast lump detected by patient or health care provider
• Abnormality detected on screening mammography
• Breast abnormality detected on another imaging modality
• Bloody nipple discharge
• New, persistent focal pain

Is a Rx needed for a diagnostic mammogram?

Yes, a diagnostic mammogram requires an order/prescription: "Diagnostic Mammogram with Ultrasound if indicated" and "Bilateral" or "Unilateral." This must be specifically written on the order/prescription. 

Breast Radiology & Imaging

Moffitt provides state-of-the-art comprehensive breast imaging including:

• Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT or 3D Mammography)
• Conventional breast MRI and AB-MRI (Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Dedicated fellowship-trained radiologists specialized in breast imaging
• Flexible hours at Moffitt Cancer Center, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus and Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza locations.

Breast cancer risk assessments at Moffitt

At Moffitt, we encourage all women to learn about the risk factors for breast cancer so they can take action to prevent it or detect it early when it is easier to treat. Moffitt stands out from many other cancer screening providers because we evaluate breast cancer risk factors for every patient who comes to us for screening. This helps us identify women who have an elevated risk for breast cancer and could benefit from more intensive screening beyond an annual mammogram.

If you’d like to refer a patient for breast cancer screening at Moffitt Cancer Center, call 1-888-663-3488, complete our online form, or contact a physician liaison for assistance.