Why Choose Windsong for your Breast Imaging?
Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
Windsong was the first facility in WNY to receive status as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence from the American College of Radiology (ACR). This designation recognizes Windsong’s commitment and dedication to providing the highest standards of breast imaging quality procedures and assurance as well as employing board-certified radiologists who are experts in the field.
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Radiologists
Our board certified and fellowship trained radiologists specialize in women’s imaging. Their expertise coupled with the expertise of our highly skilled, motivated and caring team of board certified mammography and ultrasound technologists ensures the highest quality exams.
First to Offer 3D Mammography in Western New York
In addition to being a Breast Center of Excellence, Windsong was also the first in the area to adopt and offer a 3D mammogram in June 2011 at its Williamsville location. Today, Windsong offers this at all of our breast imaging locations, including Williamsville, West Amherst, Hamburg, Lancaster and Mobile Mammography.
Same Day Results
Windsong was the first facility in Buffalo and WNY to provide same-day mammogram results at each of our locations in West Amherst, Williamsville, Hamburg and Lancaster.
Resources
- Even though a regular 2D mammogram is still considered the standard of care, a 3D mammogram can more easily identify breast cancer.
- Windsong offers 3D mammography to all of our patients, and is especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue and family history of breast cancer.
- 3D mammograms can show the radiologists your breast tissue one layer at a time. This makes it easier for them to see through your breast tissue and catch spots on your mammogram that may be a concern.
- Studies show 3D mammograms can catch breast cancer 35% more than a regular mammogram
- Studies show you are 38% less likely to get called back for more pictures if you get a 3D mammogram
- The radiation dose is the same as a 2D mammogram
- Doctors and scientists agree that catching breast cancer early, when it can be treated more easily, is the best choice.
- You are eligible for a screening mammogram if you are a woman and:
- You are age 40 and older at average risk for breast cancer.
- You are under age 40 and considered at high risk. High risk factors can include:
- You have a personal history of breast cancer and dense breast tissue OR you were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- You have a first degree relative with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, but you personally have not been tested for these mutations
- You have a known ATM, BRCA1 or BRCA2, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, STK11, or TP53 gene mutation
- You had radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30
- You have a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer based on risk assessment tools such as the Tyrer-Cuzick modelIf you are at higher risk, we recommend you talk to your doctor about starting screening earlier or including supplemental imaging such as a breast ultrasound or breast MRI. For those with a family history of breast cancer, a breast cancer screening exam is recommended starting 10 years before the age of the earliest diagnosis in the family (not earlier than age 25 and no later than age 40).
- If you are experiencing a worrisome lump, nipple discharge, a change in breast skin, breast pain, or if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, please contact your doctor. Your doctor will order a more comprehensive breast exam called a diagnostic mammogram.
- Yes, a prescription from your doctor is required. You can typically get a script from your doctor (primary care physician, OBGYN, etc.)
- PLEASE NOTE: If you schedule your own appointment and arrive without a written order, you may have to reschedule your appointment, or it may result in a longer wait for you, if we cannot get in touch with your physician’s office right away.
- Most insurance companies today are covering 3D and 2D Screening Mammography. Please note that coverage does not mean an insurance carrier will pay in full for the exam. Patients are responsible for any co-pay, co-insurance or high deductible. For more specific information, please contact your insurance carrier
- A diagnostic mammogram is different from a screening mammogram. You may be subject to a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Contact your health insurance plan to understand your financial responsibility
- If you are concerned about cost because you are uninsured or underinsured(high deductible, screenings not covered), you may be eligible for Cancer Services Program. Please visit http://www2.erie.gov/cancerservices/index.php?q=eligibility
Testimonial
Jodi Syroczynski
Last year at age 40 I was diagnosed with “Invasive Ductal Carcinoma”. I have a family history of breast cancer, which made me aware of the need to have at least a screening mammogram yearly. Last year I heard about the 3D tomosynthesis mammogram and requested my physician to order a tomosynthesis along with my screening mammogram. She agreed to order this exam as well as a breast ultrasound. Much to my surprise there was a 1 cm mass hiding in my left breast. It was only picked up with the tomosynthesis and a targeted ultrasound. I feel that without those tools my breast cancer would have gone undetected for at least another year, at which time it would have grown. I am encouraging all my friends and family to undergo Tomosynthesis and breast ultrasound. Thank you Windsong for living up to your commitment to improving women’s imaging with updated technology.


Michelle S.
“DON’T FORGET TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR FIRST MAMMOGRAM AT FORTY AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER,” says Michelle.
Michelle is like many young women in their early 40’s. She has a great career which keeps her busy. She has an active lifestyle. Being healthy, she didn’t pay much attention to the recommendation to have an annual mammogram and conduct monthly breast exams once you turn 40. Why should she? There was absolutely no family history of breast cancer. Surely this recommendation was intended for those women who had a history of breast cancer in their family. So she put it off.
Michelle didn’t pay attention at 40. Nor did she bother at 41. Her forty second birthday followed quickly and it continued to be of little concern, but when Michelle turned 43 something changed. For some unknown reason, she felt a strange sensation in her breast. She decided to do a self breast exam as she had been taught, placing her arm over head while lying on her back. She didn’t feel anything. But when she sat up she was certain she felt something.
Michelle felt the only way to allay her fears would be to have her doctor tell her it was nothing to worry about. After having a breast exam by her doctor she was given a physician order for a mammogram at Windsong. She soon learned that what she had felt was more than a suspicion -she had breast cancer.
You cannot help but be taken by the determination of this young woman. As a breast cancer survivor, Michelle is on a mission to educate others and she is doing so with an amazing inner strength. She is sharing her story in order to encourage co-workers, friends and family to adhere to the recommendation for an annual mammogram after the age of forty. She does so with a beauty and poise that will assuredly inspire woman to never take for granted the importance of annual breast cancer screening to ensure early detection.
