MAMMOGRAMS, BIOPSIES AND DIAGNOSTICS IN ST. LOUIS, MO

No — the radiation from a mammogram is extremely low and considered safe.

To put it in perspective:

● A round-trip flight from St. Louis to Europe exposes you to about the same amount of radiation as one mammogram.

● The average person receives more natural background radiation each year than from an annual mammogram.

Both the American College of Radiology and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree that the benefits of early detection far outweigh any minimal risk from radiation exposure.

Detecting breast cancer early often means less invasive treatment and better outcomes.

Most women should begin annual screening at age 40. Women with higher risk factors, such as a strong family history or BRCA1/2 mutation, may benefit from starting earlier or screening more frequently. Dr. Singer will review your personal and family history to create a screening plan tailored to your needs.

Yes. Shero uses state-of-the-art 3D mammography for all screening and diagnostic exams.

This advanced technology allows Dr. Singer to see through overlapping tissue and find cancers earlier — especially in women with dense breasts.

Yes — in most cases, you’ll meet with Dr. Singer the same day to review your results in detail.

One of the key advantages of our concierge model is direct communication and fast results.

You’ll leave your appointment with clarity and a plan, not uncertainty.

We can usually perform additional imaging the same day — such as targeted mammogram views or ultrasound — so you don’t have to wait for answers.

If a biopsy is recommended, we can often schedule it within 24–48 hours, and sometimes even the same day. Dr. Singer walks you through every step, explaining what’s being done and why, so you stay informed and supported.

We provide transparent, upfront pricing with no surprise bills. Our team will review your options and pricing before any procedure, so you remain in control.

At Shero, our focus is on you — not on insurance paperwork or approval delays. By remaining independent of insurance networks, we’re able to deliver a higher standard of care with no compromises. This approach allows us to:

● Spend more time on your care. We take the time needed to review every image thoroughly and discuss results directly with you.

● Use the most advanced technology. We select imaging systems based on accuracy and comfort, not based on what insurance will approve.

● Eliminate red tape. You’ll know your cost upfront — no surprise bills, no denied claims, no waiting for pre-authorizations.

We believe this model gives women greater control, faster answers, and a more personalized healthcare experience.

We provide transparent, upfront pricing and accept credit, debit, HSA, and FSA payments.

While we don’t bill insurance directly, we’ll provide a detailed receipt (or “superbill”) if you’d like to submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement through your insurance plan.

Dense breast tissue is common and not abnormal, but it can make mammograms harder to read. If you have dense breasts, we often recommend supplemental imaging in addition to mammography for the most accurate results.

At Shero, we offer ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) — a painless, radiation-free test that captures 3D ultrasound images of the entire breast. ABUS can detect abnormalities that may be hidden on a mammogram alone, giving you greater confidence in your screening.

We also offer the Koning Vera Breast CT, which is a great option for women with dense breast tissue as well. Shero is proud to provide this compression-free, painless technology as it is currently the only breast CT in Missouri.

Yes. For younger women or those who wish to avoid radiation, ABUS is a safe, comfortable, and radiation-free imaging option. It uses sound waves instead of X-rays and can be used for both screening and diagnostic evaluation. Dr. Singer will review your history and help determine if ABUS or another imaging approach is best for you.

Sometimes, a contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM) or breast MRI is recommended for more detailed evaluation. These exams use a small amount of contrast dye to highlight areas that may need further assessment.

Contrast exams are often recommended if you:

● Have a higher risk of breast cancer (strong family history or BRCA mutation)

● Have very dense breast tissue

● Have new symptoms that require a closer look

● Are being monitored after prior breast cancer treatment

Most women don’t need contrast exams annually — they’re performed only when clinically indicated. We’ll discuss your medical history, allergies, and preferences to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Both CEM and MRI use contrast dye to highlight breast tissue that may need further evaluation.

Both are highly sensitive and can detect cancers that might not appear on standard imaging.

Key differences:

● Comfort & Convenience: CEM is similar to a standard mammogram and takes only 10–15 minutes. MRI requires lying face-down in a scanner for a long amount of time.

● Accessibility: CEM is faster, more comfortable, and more affordable than MRI.

At Shero, we’ve chosen to offer CEM because it delivers exceptional clarity and comfort — offering MRI-quality insight in less time while being more affordable.

Shero offers the Koning Vera Breast CT, an advanced 3D imaging system that requires no compression. You simply lie face-down while the machine captures a detailed 3D image of both breasts in just 14 seconds.

This technology provides high-resolution imaging with a radiation dose similar to a standard mammogram.

Most women who are eligible for a traditional mammogram can get a breast CT. It’s especially beneficial for women who find compression painful, or who have breast implants. Dr. Singer will review your medical history and imaging needs to ensure it’s the safest and most accurate choice for you.

Yes. Shero’s technology is uniquely suited for women with implants. Traditional mammograms often require pushing or moving the implant back (the “implant displaced” technique), which can be uncomfortable.

Our non-compression breast CT provides clear, 3D images of the breast tissue around and behind implants — with no squeezing or manipulation required. It’s faster, safer, and more comfortable with radiation levels similar to a mammogram.

Yes. Prior images are essential for accurate comparison and interpretation. We can help request your previous studies, or you can bring them digitally or on a disc. Comparing old and new images helps give Dr. Singer full insight into your past breast health and improves diagnostic accuracy.

Your visit at Shero is designed to be calm, private, and empowering. You’ll be welcomed into a spa-like environment that prioritizes your comfort. Our dedicated staff will explain each step and answer your questions.

After your imaging, Dr. Singer will immediately review your results — often the same day — and discuss future breast screenings.

Most screening appointments take 30–45 minutes, including check-in, imaging, and same-day review. Diagnostic visits, consultations, and contrast studies may take longer, and we’ll let you know what to expect in advance.

Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top. Avoid deodorant, lotion, or powder on the day of your exam, as they can affect image quality. If you have prior imaging, please bring reports or discs for comparison.

If your biopsy shows cancer or another condition needing treatment, you won’t face it alone. Our nurse navigator will:

● Coordinate appointments with the right specialists

● Explain your results clearly and compassionately

● Ensure your care team has your imaging and pathology

● Provide support and guidance every step of the way

Yes! Many women travel to Shero for our specialized technology and Dr. Singer’s expertise. We are happy to assist with image transfers and coordination with your referring physician if needed.