Mammography

     Approximately one in nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, your chances of getting it are greater. But four out of five women who get breast cancer don't have a history of it in their family. The most effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages is a program of monthly breast self-examination, examination by your doctor and mammography.

     A mammogram, a breast X-ray, can find cancer when it's very small - up to two years before you can feel a lump in your breast. At Missouri Delta Medical Center we have low dose equipment, which is certified by the American College of Radiology. We also provide sophisticated ultrasound evaluation of breast lumps and abnormalities seen on mammograms.

Will my mammogram hurt?
      A mammogram is done by compressing the breast between two plastic plates and taking an x-ray. Any discomfort you may experience is most likely the result of pressure exerted on your breast by the plates. This is necessary to achieve the highest possible detail while also minimizing radiation exposure. Breast compression is an important part of a properly performed mammogram. As the breast is compressed, the breast tissue is better visualized and at the same time the radiation dose to the breast is reduced. At Missouri Delta Medical Center "We compress because we care."

     Some women are concerned about exposure during mammography, but studies have shown that the risks of exposure to radiation with state-of-the-art mammography equipment are nominal and far outweigh by the benefits of a thorough procedure.