Film mammography has been critical to breast cancer screening for over 35 years, but a recent study suggests that digital mammography may be a better choice for some women. MidState Medical Center is pleased to now offer this option to women in addition to traditional film mammography.

A study conducted by The National Cancer Institute found that digital mammography is a better screening method if you are a woman who is under the age of 50, a woman of any age with dense breasts, or a pre- or perimenopausal woman who has had her last period within 12 months of her mammogram.

How do you know if you have dense breasts? This information can usually be determined by viewing a prior mammogram. A qualified radiologist can review the film and let you know your density status.

Another great advantage of digital mammography is the speed with which screenings can be performed. A digital mammography can be performed in five minutes, whereas it would take twenty minutes with film, said Eileen Noble, Director of Radiology at MidState Medical Center.

While interpreting a mammogram does require some time, imaging can be done in just minutes. The impact is significant for women who can’t or don’t want to wait to be screened. The hospital is able to accommodate many more patients as a result.

“There is no back log for screening mammograms any longer,” said Noble. There is no reason to wait and worry for your screening when you can get it today or tomorrow.

Mammography screenings consist of two front views of the breasts and two side views as well. The capability to do more per day is a direct result of not needing to process film.

While digital mammography has its advantages and may be more suitable for the some types of women, regular film mammography is still successful in detecting breast abnormalities.

MidState Medical Center is currently the only hospital in the central Connecticut area utilizing the digital mammography technology.