DEFINING DIGITAL SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY

Mammography is an x-ray picture of the inner structure of the breast. Screening mammograms are done when there are no symptoms of breast disease. Diagnostic mammograms are performed when clinical signs or physical evidence of breast disease have been found.

AGE TO BEGIN GETTING A MAMMOGRAM

Age 35 – 39
You may have a baseline mammogram to establish what is normal for you. The results of this test will be used for a comparison in later years.

Age 40+
HAVE A MAMMOGRAM ANNUALLY.

RISKS OF BREAST CANCER.

• Women over age 50.
• Women over age 35 whose mother, sisters, or daughters have had breast cancer.
• Women who are childless or who start their families after age 30.
• Women who have had cancer in one breast.
• Women who are overweight.
• Women whose diets are high in fat and include frequent, large quantities of alcoholic beverages.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER

• Lumps you can see or feel
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
• Changes in the contour of the breast
• Discharge from the nipple.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY

• Images of the breast are created using specially designed digital detectors and then displayed on high-resolution computer monitors
• Images can be manipulated, including “zooming in” on a specific area of interest
• Greatly reduces the need for retakes due to over or under exposure
• Reduced x-ray exposure
• Digital transmission and storage of mammographic images eliminates dependence on films