If you're a woman, you may be used to taking care of your family. At TMC, we're here to take care of you. That's why we've brought an innovative new service to our hospital: Digital mammography. This progressive technology can detect breast cancer at early stages, when it's most treatable -- and TMC now is the only area hospital that offers it.

"This is a fabulous service for local women," says Nancy Pike, Vice President of Professional and Ambulatory Services. "This sophisticated system produces much sharper and cleaner images than traditional film mammography."

It's quicker and more comfortable for women than traditional mammography, too. Special mammography pads help you feel more comfortable during the process. The new system automatically adjusts to the density and size of women's breasts and has extra arm support and curved edges, which also makes exams easier on women.

How it works
With digital mammography, images of the breast can be displayed immediately on high-resolution computer monitors. Radiologists can view images without waiting for films to develop and can zoom in to look more closely at suspicious areas.

Doctors and hospital staff also don't have to deal with cumbersome film mammograms. Digital mammograms can be easily transmitted and stored as computer files.

Comprehensive breast services
"This technology is so important that we wanted to offer it to women now, rather than wait for the new hospital to open," says Tom Jennings, Director of Radiology at TMC. "We're now able to offer women the most comprehensive breast services in the area."

In addition to digital mammography, TMC provides breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI-guided biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy services.

Four facts about breast cancer

1. Many women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
2. Older women are more likely to get breast cancer than younger women.
3. Roughly one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.
4. Starting at age 40, women should start getting mammograms every one to two years, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those who face a higher-than-average risk for breast cancer, however, should talk with their doctors about an appropriate screening timetable.