As a woman you are already at risk for breast cancer and the older you get, the greater your chances are of getting the disease. Your risk is even greater if another woman in your family has had breast cancer. Along with self breast exams, mammography is the best method to detect breast cancer. Mammograms can often detect cancer at its earliest stages, when it cannot be felt by hand.

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. This is a very safe test - because the amount of radiation used is very low, the risk of any harm from having a mammogram is extremely small. During the test a technologist will place your breast between two x-ray panels. The panels will push your breast between them to get a clear picture - you may feel some discomfort, however the test usually takes less than a minute.

We are pleased to offer state-of-the-art digital mammography at our new Women's Center. In addition to lower radiation exposure with improved image clarity, we offer a computer aided diagnosis system (CAD) that assists the radiologist (physician) in identifying abnormalities in the breast.

On the day you are having a mammogram, please do not use any deodorant, perfumes, powders or lotions on your underarms or breasts. If possible, wear a two-piece outfit for your convenience. Also, please bring previous mammogram films if performed elsewhere. If you are unable to bring the films, please arrange to have them sent to us.

A radiologist will analyze the images and report the results to your physician.

We encourage women age 40 and older to have a mammogram every year. Remember, as you get older your chance of developing breast cancer increases, so regular mammograms are essential to good health.