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Digital Mammography

Potentially Life-Saving Screenings
That’s why we’re here.

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves lives. And the best technology for early detection is digital imaging called 3D mammography, available at Bolivar Regional Medical Center. Our mammography system uses advanced technology to take images of each breast from different angles. These images are then combined to create a more complete, accurate picture for a doctor to analyze.

 
 

Benefits of 3D Mammography

3D mammograms allow us to detect breast cancer earlier and more effectively than traditional 2D mammograms, and significantly earlier than relying on the sense of touch. A 3D mammogram can detect tiny, early-stage cancers, and early detection means earlier, more effective treatment. In addition, the higher accuracy of 3D mammograms – especially important for patients with dense breast tissue or at high risk of breast cancer – results in more accurate detection and fewer false positives (the latter means fewer return visits to your doctor). Every mammogram image at Bolivar Regional is analyzed by a radiologist with advanced training in breast imaging.

 
 
 

Nervous? That's normal.

It's common to feel a bit anxious about getting a mammogram, particularly if it's your first. The professional and compassionate technicians at Bolivar Regional will patiently guide you through the process, step by step, gladly answering all your questions along the way.

Lowering the risk

Aside from getting a mammogram at the frequency recommended below, there are other steps you can take that may help lower your risk for breast cancer. These steps include:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting alcohol use
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Breastfeeding (women who breast-feed their children for several months or do not use post-menopausal hormone therapy may reduce their breast cancer risk)
 
 

The Importance of Mammograms

Bolivar Regional OB-GYNs encourage self-breast exams as a second line of defense against breast cancer. A mammogram is the first line of defense because by the time we can feel a lump in our breasts, a cancerous tumor could have grown larger and even spread beyond the breast into other areas of the body. Regular mammograms help detect small tumors at a much earlier stage – sometimes years before we can feel them – which significantly increases the opportunity for successful treatment.

Historically, as the number of women who have regular mammograms has increased, the prevalence of breast cancer has decreased. And we’ve got a way to go. Breast cancer is still one of the top killers of women in the United States. It is the most common cancer among women, behind skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

 
 

More Breast Cancer Facts

  • American Caucasian women develop breast cancer more often than African American, Native American, or Asian women.
  • Your risk increases if you have a family history of breast cancer. This is true if there are relatives on either the maternal or paternal sides who have been affected. Risk is higher if multiple relatives have had breast cancer, if the relatives are "first-degree" relatives – mother, sister, daughter – and if the relatives were diagnosed at a pre-menopausal age.
  • Studies suggest that the longer a woman is exposed to estrogen, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. This includes estrogen made by the body, taken as a drug, or delivered by a patch. Also at increased risk are women who began their periods before age 12, never had children, took hormone replacement therapy for long periods of time, or experienced menopause after age 55.
  • The average patient's age with a new breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Risk rises after age 40, which is why annual mammograms are recommended by the American Cancer Society for women over the age of 40.
  • Women who have had breast cancer in one breast face an increased risk of getting cancer in the other breast. This is particularly true when breast cancer genetic risk is inherited.
  • Women who have their first child after age 30 have a greater risk.
 
 
Note saying Don't forget your mammogram

Schedule Your Mammogram Today

Women at average risk for breast cancer should begin getting mammograms at age 40 and have one annually beginning at age 45. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate screening frequency for you.

Call to make an appointment.

 
 

What is 3D Mammography?

At Bolivar Medical Center, your breast health is important to us. Our caring staff uses the latest technology – like 3D mammography – in a comfortable and welcoming environment to help you stay on top of your health and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing and being prepared.

3D mammography is a more advanced, clinically proven screening and diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection. It generates multiple low-dose images at different angles, creating a detailed 3D image of the breast tissue, providing greater visibility for the radiologist. 

Benefits of 3D mammography:

  • Detects breast cancer up to 53% more often than traditional mammography
  • Detects breast cancer earlier than any other method currently available
  • Decreases "call-backs" by 20 to 40%
  • Is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue and an increased risk of breast cancer
 
 

Importance of Early Detection

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is over 98 percent. 3D mammography is a newer technology that promises to improve breast cancer detection while reducing callbacks and the anxiety they can cause.

Preventive Care

For women without excessive risk factors, the American Cancer Society® recommends this smart three-step plan for preventive care:

  1. Monthly breast self-examination for women age 20 and over. During this self-exam, you should check for lumps and look for changes in your breasts and the surrounding tissues. If you have questions on how to correctly perform this exam, our breast health specialists can help.
  2. Clinical breast examination by a health professional. Women in their 20s and 30s should have this exam every three years. If you are 40 or older, schedule a clinical breast exam annually.
  3. Routine mammogram for women over 40. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to evaluate breast health. It helps doctors see whether there are abnormalities or changes in your breast tissue, which may need further exploration. Mammography can detect breast cancer long before a lump can be felt.

Talk to your Primary Care Provider or OB/GYN about your family history, areas of concern, and potential risk for breast cancer. If you are over 40, call 662.846.2268 to schedule your yearly mammogram.

 
 
 

Next Steps

 

Our Location

Bolivar Medical Center
901 Hwy 8 East
Cleveland, MS 38732

Schedule a Mammogram

A physician's order is required. Call today for more information.

Breast Health Assessment

Regular mammograms are essential to early detection of breast cancer.