In light of the recent U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendation Statement regarding screening for breast cancer, SSM Breast Care wants to clarify our recommendations.
An effective diagnostic tool for detecting breast diseases and cancer.
Mammograms are used as a screening tool that can detect breast abnormalities often before signs or symptoms of the disease occur. SSM Breast Care offers two types of mammography: conventional mammograms and digital mammograms.
Mammography
Mammography creates diagnostic images by applying a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. Mammograms are use to monitor the breasts and also assist in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. X-ray applications, such as those used during a mammogram, are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
To watch Dr. Megan Gau, SSM Breast Care radiologist, talk about the importance of getting a mammogram, click here.
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography replaces traditional x-ray film with a digital chip to record images of the breast. This process, also known as full-field digital mammography, makes it possible for the images of the breast to be viewed on a computer monitor or printed on a special film similar to traditional mammograms. The advantages of digital mammograms as compared to conventional mammograms include: faster image acquisition times, fewer total exposures, and less patient discomfort. In addition, digital mammograms have been proven to detect breast cancers better than conventional mammograms in three groups of women: those younger than 50, those with dense breasts, and those who are pre-menopausal.
To schedule a mammography, contact your nearest SSM Breast Care location now.