Mammograms

Because we care deeply about women’s health, Harbor Community Health Centers offers mammograms to patients in and around San Pedro, CA and the surrounding Los Angeles and South Bay areas.

When do I need a mammogram?

Women over 40 should get a mammogram once a year. After age 55, women can get a mammogram every two years. Some women may be at greater risk and should get mammograms earlier – ask your doctor if this applies to you.

What happens during a mammogram?

You'll be asked to undress from the waist up, and a technician will place your breast in a special machine. The machine will squeeze the breast to spread out the tissue and take an x-ray. This part can be uncomfortable or painful (similar to the discomfort of using a blood pressure cuff), but only lasts a few seconds. Next, the technician will repeat the process with the other breast, then a radiologist will read the x-rays for early signs of breast cancer.

When are mammograms available at HCHC?

Every other Tuesday, Alinea Medical Imaging performs mammograms at our Pacific Avenue location between 9 am and 4 pm. Each Mammogram Event can screen up to 50 patients, so call HCHC to make an appointment.

What if something appears on my mammogram?

Finding something on a mammogram doesn't always mean it's cancer. (California has one of the lowest breast cancer rates in the country.) A mammogram can reveal small pieces of calcium, non-cancerous cysts, or lumps of normal breast cells called fibroadenomas. HCHC can arrange additional tests or exams, or connect you with a specialist, to identify or rule out breast cancer. Based on the results, your care provider can help you decide which of the many available treatments are right for you. Mammograms through HCHC help to spot problems early and, with our supportive staff, keep you in good health.

What if I don't have insurance?

Patients without insurance can apply at the event for the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. This program covers the cost of the mammogram and any procedures or other imaging needed based on the results. HCHC staff will be happy to help you complete the application – it's important to us that resources are available to every patient who needs them. Most patients qualify for EWC, but for those who don't, a sliding fee scale is used.