Diagnostic vs Screening Mammogram, What’s the difference?
October 15, 2026
Mammograms can seem intimidating. But getting your regular screenings is important part of women’s health. According to the U.S Preventive Task Force women 40 years and older should begin annual mammogram screenings. Depending on your risk factors your doctor may even have you start sooner. Mammograms are the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Scheduling and getting a mammogram every year increases your chance of catching the disease early or before it spreads.
“It’s normal to feel nervous about receiving a mammogram. You’ve probably heard that they are painful or they’ll find cancer, but that is not true, says Dr. Derrett, Saint Agnes Care Primary Care Provider.
“Most mammograms are normal, but we do them to screen for cancer so we can find cancer as early as possible and get the best treatment outcomes.”
But mammograms aren’t just good for screening their useful diagnostic tools too. A diagnostic mammogram is something your doctor orders if the results from your screening mammogram come suspicious or you have symptoms of breast cancer.
Screening mammogram
Screening mammogram is what is recommended for women with the average risk of breast cancer. It can flag breast cancer well before symptoms start, giving patients better outcomes and more treatment options. Getting them annually helps doctors compare year to year, so they can quickly find changes. Screening can measure breast density, calcifications, masses and much more. If your doctor finds something that needs more investigation, you may be referred for a diagnostic Xray.
Diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is a more in-depth version of a screening mammogram. Although it is the same machine often can take longer. The tech will take more x-rays from different angles and can take more precise scans of the area in question.
Your doctor will order a diagnostic mammogram if something comes back unusual or if your screening results are blurry or difficult to view. Sometimes you will get sent for a diagnostic mammogram if you are experiencing breast cancer symptoms like:
- Swelling of breast tissue
- A lump
- Skin changes on your breast (Redness, Itching, dimpling)
- Swollen lymph nodes
It’s also not uncommon to be sent for a diagnostic mammogram if you have breast implants. Breast implants can obscure the Xray, making a diagnostic test the best option to get a complete visual.
How to schedule a mammogram
You can schedule your mammogram at an outpatient imaging center or hospital. At the Saint Agnes Breast Center, you’ll find a caring team and advanced imaging technology designed for your comfort and peace of mind.
Same-week appointments are often available when you schedule online. No referral is needed.
If you have questions, call (559) 450-6742 to speak with one of our mammography technologists or nurses.
Get a complimentary gift when you schedule your mammogram
With week of appointments available and no referral required, there’s no better time to schedule your screening mammogram. Book now and get a complimentary Saint Agnes pink tote bag at your visit!
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Located inside the Saint Agnes Imaging Center, our 15,500-sqaure-foot the Breast Center blends advanced technology with comfort and convenience.
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