Mammography

Mammography screenings and bone density testing are provided by two mobile units that visit Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare in Caledonia on a regular basis. The vehicles are completely self-contained and provide all the technology needed to provide a screening in any location.

Mammography

Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable. This usually requires at least two images of the breast from different angles. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care provider.

The mobile mammography van regularly visits and has the most up-to-date technology available to provide patients with a rapid, highly precise diagnosis. Also, because everything is digital, providers can review the results from any location and can quickly compare past results with current tests.

Bone Density Testing

A bone density test — also called densitometry or DXA scan — determines whether you are at risk for or have osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and likely to break. Women, particularly, are susceptible to this disease as they age.