Area residents have access to digital mammography exams in two locations, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and at the Outpatient Center located at 170 University Drive, Amherst. To schedule an appointment in Amherst call (413) 253-8062 or in Northampton call (413) 582-2101.As a breast cancer survivor, Ellie, center, knows mammography saves lives. She is pictured here with daughters Mary Ellen and Cynthia.

Nancy King, director of imaging services says the benefits of digital mammography include shorter exam times and better image quality.

Within a matter of seconds following the exam, the images of the breast are displayed on the technologist’s monitor. Says King, "we do not have to wait for the film to develop. The image quality is better as the images are viewed on high resolution monitors.”

King cites studies indicating that digital mammograms are better for women who have dense breast tissue, are under the age of 50, or are pre-menopausal.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram beginning at ages of 35 and 40 and that beginning at age 40, women have an annual screening mammogram. They also recommend that in addition to annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.

Some of those risk factors include family or personal history of breast cancer; early menstrual onset/late onset of menopause; use of oral contraceptives; use of hormone replacement therapy and alcohol use (two or more drinks per day). For more information about prevention and early detection visit www.acs.org.

Cooley Dickinson’s board certified radiologists interpret studies at both the Hospital and University Drive locations.

To schedule a mammogram in Amherst call (413) 253-8062 or in Northampton call (413) 582-2101.