Red Bluff Daily News Special Publications
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/72523
All mammograms start the same way—with an x-ray of the breast. But a newer type, called a digital mammogram, processes images differently. It records and stores images on a computer instead of on x-ray film. This advanced technology is available locally at the St. Elizabeth Imaging Center, along with additional advanced systems such as MRI, PET CT and CAT Scans to name a few. Mammograms: Digitally yours However, several studies show that digital images may be more accurate in women younger than 50 and in women with dense breast tissue, reports the ACS. Safe and effective Digital mammograms still require compressing the breasts to get good images. But according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), they have some advantages over film. Viewing and sharing After you have a mammogram, the images are analyzed by a specialist called a radiologist. With digital mammograms, the radiologist can adjust the images on the computer screen to get a better look. He or she can change the size, brightness or contrast to see certain areas more clearly. Some studies show that this reduces the number of women who need to return for extra tests. If the radiologist wants to send the images to your doctor or show them to another specialist, this can easily be done electronically. Managing images this way is similar to how digital photos can be viewed and shared. Both film and digital mammograms work well at finding breast cancer. While all x-rays use radiation, the dose from both film and digital mammograms is very small. In fact, one mammogram delivers about the same amount of radiation as you get in three months from natural sources. Not all healthcare providers in the region offer digital mammography, but with the help of our community through the continued support of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink program held every year by the Red Bluff Round Up, you can receive your digital mammography close to home. The St. Elizabeth Imaging Center accepts self referrals (no doctor's prescription required) and through the generous support of Soroptimists International of Red Bluff, we also offer a mammography scholarship program that will pay for the mammogram for eligible, uninsured patients (call 530.529.8079 for more information about the free mammography program). According to the ACS, women should begin having yearly mammograms at age 40 or earlier if breast cancer is in their family history. To find out more, visit the ACS at www.cancer.org or speak with your family physician. Need to find a doctor? Check us out at redbluff.mercy.org/find_a_doctor. 2580 Sister Mary Columba Drive, Red Bluff, CA 96080 529-XRAY (9729) redbluff.mercy.org 30 2012 - Tehama County Medical Guide