Getting a mammogram can come with a lot of questions: Will it hurt? What does it mean if I have dense breasts? Why am I being called back? Do I need an ultrasound too? And what happens if they find something?
In this episode of More Life for Living, we’re answering the questions women actually have about breast screening.
Host Alexander Galeazzi sits down with Christie Castro, Director of Mammography, and Lexy Alvarez, Director of Ultrasound at SimonMed. Both bring years of imaging experience—but they’re also mammogram patients themselves, giving them a unique perspective on what women experience before, during and after an exam.
Together, they break down what to expect from your mammogram, what breast density really means, when ultrasound or additional imaging may be recommended, and why getting called back doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
They also discuss how newer technologies like 3D mammography and artificial intelligence are giving radiologists additional tools to evaluate breast tissue—and how your mammogram may even reveal information beyond breast cancer risk.
You’ll learn:
- What having dense breasts actually means
- Why mammography and breast ultrasound provide different information
- What you can do to make your mammogram more comfortable
- Why your prior mammograms are so important
- What it means if you’re called back for additional imaging
- How your personal and family history can influence your breast cancer risk
- How AI is being used in mammography and breast ultrasound
- What happens if your screening finds something suspicious
- Why your mammogram may reveal insights about heart health
- How to become a more informed advocate for your breast health
Most importantly, Christie and Lexy share a message they want women to hear: ask questions, communicate with your technologist and don’t let fear keep you from getting screened.
Subscribe to More Life for Living for conversations with physicians, health experts and innovators helping you live longer—and live better.
Suggested Timestamps
00:00 Meet Christie Castro and Lexy Alvarez
04:33 What does it mean to have dense breasts?
05:37 How 3D mammography and AI can help with dense tissue
09:27 Screening mammogram vs. diagnostic mammogram: what’s the difference?
16:07 What women should know about mammogram discomfort
21:20 What should you wear to your mammogram?
23:00 Why your prior mammograms matter
26:01 No family history—do you still need a mammogram?
28:07 Why does your breast screening ask so many personal questions?
32:57 You got called back. Does that mean cancer?
35:38 How AI is being used in breast imaging
38:10 What your mammogram may reveal about your heart
41:24 What women can do today to protect their breast health
Continue Your Breast Health Journey
Breast health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your age, breast density, family history, personal risk and previous imaging can all help inform the screening plan that’s right for you.
At SimonMed, 3D mammography, advanced AI and supplemental breast imaging are available to help women better understand their breast health.
About SimonMed
SimonMed is one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging and health technology providers in the United States, operating more than 170 centers across 11 states and supported by a nationwide team of subspecialty-trained, board-certified radiologists.
SimonMed Longevity focuses on proactive health through whole-body MRI and advanced preventive screening designed to help individuals better understand their health and identify potential risks earlier.
Learn more at https://www.simonmed.com/
Connect with us:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmedimaging/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simonmed-imaging/
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs and medical decisions.
