What is Digital Mammography?
Digital mammography is similar to traditional mammograms; compression and X-rays are used to create clear images of breast tissue. It has shown to be most effective in women less than 50 years of age, women with dense breasts, and pre-menopausal women. There are several advantages to digital mammography over conventional mammography, including near immediate production of images, which allows a technician to make sure the image is clear before the patient leaves; the ability to store, transmit, and copy information via computers; and the ability of radiologists to adjust brightness, change contrast, magnify images, and easily manipulate specific areas of the image.

It is important to receive an annual mammogram so the doctor can detect breast cancer. An estimated one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. This makes breast cancer the second highest cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990, and these decreases are believed to be the result, in part, of earlier detection and improved treatment. The awareness of digital mammography and its benefits may be playing a role in improving breast cancer statistics.

If you have any questions regarding digital mammography, and how it may benefit your health, please ask your physician. You must be referred by a physician to obtain a digital mammogram at Albemarle Hospital, and Regional Medical Center.

View the Breast Cancer/Mammography Guidelines established by the American Cancer Society and endorsed by the American College of Radiology.