Breast Mammograms

Mammography is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Through an X-ray examination of the breast using extremely low radiation, mammography can detect lumps and other important changes several years before they can be felt.

Breast Health Services uses state-of-the-art equipment operated by highly educated and certified technologists. Our centers are accredited by both the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiology.

Many women put off getting mammograms because they fear pain. The Woman’s Touch Mammopad ™ uses a soft foam cushion to reduce discomfort. The experience is easier, and the quality of the image is not sacrificed.

An Expert Will Read Your Mammogram

Just as important as the equipment are the physicians who read the mammograms.

Our board-certified radiologists are experts at reading mammograms. Reading more mammograms sharpens a radiologist’s skills. Each of our radiologists reads more than 1,000 mammograms each year, more than twice the FDA requirement of 480. Together, all of Breast Health Services’ radiologists read more than 40,000 mammograms each year.

A “Spell Check” for Mammogram Accuracy

We also use the R2 ImageChecker, which acts like a computer “spell check” for mammograms. Images are read by the radiologist in the traditional manner. Then the images are scanned by the computer, comparing them to thousands of other images. Any patterns that may be suspicious are flagged for a closer look. Research shows the ImageChecker helps radiologists detect more early-stage cancers. Lehigh Valley Hospital was the first breast facility in the region to use this exciting technology.

Early Detection is the Key

Our rate for detecting cancer when it exists is 95 percent, compared with the national standard of 85 percent. Eighty percent of cancers are detected at the earliest possible stage, compared with 50 percent nationally. More than 50 percent are found at less than one centimeter, compared with 30 percent nationally.

Your chances of surviving breast cancer are greatly improved when it’s detected early. At the same time, our radiologists have an excellent record of not seeing cancer where it isn’t. Mammograms are notoriously difficult to read, and it’s not easy to spot cancer. By being accurate on both sides, we spare women unnecessary worry and biopsies.

This page last updated 3/25/09 12:51 PM