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Cancer screening centers expands locations by Lisa F. Baron, M.D. Co-director Hollings Mammography Center The Hollings Mammography Center continues to expand its screening mammography facilities to provide women with accessible, state-of-the art mammography services. Breast cancer screening entails a three-step approach:  1. yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 2. yearly clinical breast examinations and 3. monthly self breast examinations.   The Hollings Mammography Center has six mammography screening sites. These are: 30 Bee Street; 4480 Leeds Avenue (conveniently located off of I-526 in West Ashley); Rutledge Tower (limited screening appointments); Charleston Memorial Hospital; Hampton Regional Medical Center (located in Varnville); MUSC/Mobile Health Unit (contact Donna Jordan at 876-1948 or 876-1959 for more information)   To schedule a mammogram contact the central mammography scheduling office at 876-0204.      To expedite scheduling please have your insurance information handy, the exact test your health care provider requested and the name/address/phone number of the place where your last mammogram was taken.    You may be asked for other important information so that the correct test can be scheduled and the preregistration process completed. All mammography schedulers are familiar with the mammographic examinations and can answer most of your questions. If not, they will find someone who can help you.   On the day of your mammogram appointment bring a written order for your mammogram if the request has not already been sent. Always notify the technologist if you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant. Avoid using deodorant, powder, perfume or lotion on your upper body as these products can leave residue on the skin and complicate the mammographic picture. Wear a two-piece outfit because you will need to replace your top and bra with a gown for the mammogram pictures.   Immediately prior to the mammogram, the technologist will ask you questions about your breast health and any concerns you may have. This is a good time to ask the technologist any questions. The technologist will then perform a visual examination of your breast and may mark significant moles or scars. Next the pictures will be taken.    A screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast. At times, additional pictures may be taken. Please do not be alarmed if the technologist needs to take additional pictures.     Gentle pressure is needed during the examination to make the picture clear and to reduce the amount of radiation. Inform the technologist if you are experiencing any discomfort.   Once the mammogram films have been checked by the technologist you may leave. The films are then brought to the main mammography reading room and reviewed by the radiologist. At times there may be a delay in the interpretation of the films until your prior mammograms have arrived.  You should receive a written letter about the mammogram report within 10 days and no later than 30 days. If you have not heard about your mammogram study do not assume that everything was OK. Please call the mammography center at 876-0204 and notify us that you have not received your report.   Remember, mammography is not 100 percent effective in detecting cancer.   If you feel a lump, or notice a change in your breast, notify your health care provider as soon as possible and have it examined.   Early detection is the key to the early treatment of breast cancer.