Health eMinutes

Digital Mammography Can Help Detect Breast Cancer

In the treatment of breast cancer, one fact is very clear – early detection is a distinct advantage. The earlier breast cancer is discovered and the sooner it’s treated, the better the outcome. Regular breast cancer screening improves the chances that a growing tumor will be detected and treated early, before the disease spreads and becomes a potential threat to life. Breast cancer survivor rates have increased significantly in recent years, and medical experts attribute this trend to earlier detection and effective treatments.

Mammograms are recommended every year for women beginning at age 40 as part of a personal program of breast health and early cancer detection. In some instances, physicians may recommend beginning screening before age 40; for example, if a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer.

Digital mammography, a technology employed by North Memorial to screen for breast cancer, produces digital images that can be far more accurate for some women. Digital images may be better for women who are:

  • younger than 50
  • are pre- or peri-menopausal
  • have very dense breast tissue

About one-half of all women undergoing mammography fall into these categories.

Women receiving a mammogram may not notice a difference in digital versus the traditional film procedure. The breast is still compressed, but instead of exposing film, the digital computer system captures the breast images digitally and electronically sends them to a viewing screen. The resulting images are evaluated by a radiologist who can analyze the mammograms using computer-aided technology. The images can be modified using magnification and contrast enhancement for better visualization. In addition, the digital files allow mammograms to be electronically transmitted to another physician or location.

Benefits of digital mammography include:

  • fewer callbacks or retakes
  • excellent image quality
  • increased detection of small and low contrast objects
  • ability to transmit electronically to another physician or location.

North Memorial is dedicated to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer through education and screening, as well as through the use of innovative, new mammography systems. Digital mammography is part of our full range of diagnostic breast imaging services. For more information about digital mammography or any of our comprehensive services, call (763) 520-1733.