Mammography

Digital Mammography is Now Available at Murray County Medical Center

What is digital mammography?
Digital mammography is the most advanced screening for breast cancer.  Digital mammography is similar to conventional except with digital, x-ray images are collected on a digital detector and stored on a computer rather than being collected and stored on a film.   Another advantage of digital mammography is the lower dosage of radiation for men and women.

Mammography is a medical test that uses special x-ray images to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast tissue.  A mammogram can provide base information that will allow your doctor to make a comparison at a later date. The key role of digital mammography is identifying breast cancer early in its development when it is very small. This is often a year or two before it is large enough to be felt by you or your healthcare provider as a lump.

What you can expect at the time of your digital mammogram
A screening mammogram usually consists of two views of the breast. During the procedure, each breast is placed on a platform in the mammogram machine, pressed firmly between two plates and an x-ray is taken. This takes only a few minutes and will be performed by a trained technologist. Most women say the compression is uncomfortable, but not painful. Once completed, a qualified radiologist will analyze the x-rays, looking for specific abnormalities or changes related to cancer. The findings will be reported to your healthcare provider who will, in turn, forward you the results.

How to prepare
To prepare for a mammogram, dress comfortably. A two-piece outfit is usually the most convenient because you will need to undress above the waist, You should not use any type of powders, deodorants, ointments, or creams prior to the exam because they can affect the quality of the mammogram. If possible you should not schedule your mammogram just before or during your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time. The complete screening mammogram procedure takes about 20 minutes.

Cancer Facts

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer
• One in every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• This year, more than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in our country.

How you can help yourself
Over 90% of breast cancers can be detected when all three methods outllined below are used together in a planned program.

• Breast Self-Exam (BSE) - Women should knw how their breasts normally feel. Beginning in their 20's, women should learn the benefits of BSE and should be instructed on the proper technique of BSE at the time of their routine health examination. They also should know the limitations of BSE and report any breast change promptly to their healthcare provider.
• Clinical Breast Exam - Should be part of a woman's perodic health examination, about every threee years for women in their 20's and 30's and annually for women age 40 and older.
• Mammography - Annually beginning at age 40. Mammograms may be recommended at an earlier age if there is a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

To schedule an appointment for a digital mammogram call:

507-836-1327