Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer, and those who are at increased risk due to a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and the need for other types of screening. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to obtain a breast MRI in addition to your annual mammogram.

Diagnostic Mammography

Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings - such as a breast lump or nipple discharge - that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam.

Digital Mammography

The Health First Breast Centers are state-of-the-art accredited facilities with the most advanced and sophisticated imaging and diagnostic technology available. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 40 million mammograms are performed each year. Mammography is still considered the best method for screening women for breast cancer.

For most breast imaging facilities in the country, mammograms have gone from analog film-based format to digital computer format. Digital mammography is a NASA spin-off, utilizing technology developed for the Hubble Space Telescope.

As of October 2015, more than 95% of accredited mammography machines in the U.S. were digital. At Health First Breast Center, 100% of our mammography machines are digital. More importantly, the Health First Breast Center continues to lead the way by embracing digital tomosynthesis.