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A kinder, gentler mammogram
The clinic's new digital mammography machine, manufactured by Hologic, offers many features not available on traditional mammography machines.
Digital technology delivers higher quality images that are delivered immediately to the physician's workstation through the computer network, said Elaine Heinz, mammography and X-ray technician at the clinic.
"They can lighten, darken, zoom in and measure right on the screen," she said.
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"It also really helps for women with dense breasts and those with implants," Heinz said. Previously, she explained, the implant would show up as white on the film while the breast tissue would show up as solid black.
"Before, it was very difficult to see the breast tissue, but now everything shows up very clearly," she said.
Digital images are transmitted and permanently stored in computer files, rather than on X-ray film that can become lost or damaged. They can easily be sent anywhere in the world in virtually an instant.
MammoPad breast cushions, used in conjunction with the digital mammography machine, also result in a kinder, gentler mammogram.
According to the Hologic Web site, pain, or fear of pain, is one of the main reasons why 40 percent of women over the age of 40 skip their annual mammograms. MammoPad breast cushions enhance the experience for patients by providing a soft, warm surface between the breast and the compression plate.
The MammoPad is a single-use foam pad that helps minimize discomfort during mammography, helping women relax and enabling technologists to get the best possible image. The cushion's grip-like surface holds breast tissue in place and does not interfere with image quality.
Several studies have found that the MammoPad effectively reduces discomfort associated with mammograms up to 70 percent.
"Women like it because it helps with the chill and provides padding," Heinz said.
In addition, because the new machine delivers a sharper and clearer digital image, technicians do not have to compress the breast as tightly as before, and patients no longer have to hold their breath. The entire process takes six minutes or less from start to finish.
The About Women's Health Web site, http://womenshealth.about.com, offers the following additional tips for alleviating discomfort during mammograms:
n Try to schedule your mammogram during the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle. Most women experience the least amount of breast tenderness during this time.
n Avoid caffeine during the week prior to your mammogram.
n Take a mild painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen about an hour before your mammogram.
Centerville Clinics hopes that the introduction of the digital mammography machine and MammoPads will increase the number of women who follow their doctors' recommendations for regular breast cancer screenings. The clinic is located at 1070 Old National Pike, Fredericktown. The X-ray lab can be reached by calling 724-632-6801, ext. 2179.
