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Mammogram Center - Charlottesville, VA

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Charlottesville, Virginia

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Mammogram

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most efficient screening method to detect early breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) on a monthly basis and examination by a doctor are still important, but physical examinations typically find breast cancers when they are much larger than those detected by mammography.

Mammography can be used to discover a small cancer in a curable stage; however, it is not foolproof. Depending a woman's age and other factors, approximately ten to fifteen percent of breast cancers are not identified by mammography, and these cancers are often found by physical examination. It is essential for a woman to perform monthly BSE and have a breast examination by her doctor in addition to the mammogram in order to most effectively screen for breast cancer. For more information, please see the Breast Cancer article.

The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to obtain mammograms earlier than these recommendations and at more frequent intervals. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover the cost of mammography.

What are the risks of mammography?

Because x-ray procedures use radiation, there is some small risk of radiation side effects to the body. The amount of radiation that is administered in mammography is exceptionally low and is approved by national and international regulatory agencies as well as the National Department of Health and Human Services. However,...

Recommended Reading Related to Mammogram

Women's Health »

Introduction to Women's Health

Women and men share many similar health problems but women also have their own health issues, which deserve special consideration.

Women's lives have changed over the centuries. Historically, life was particularly difficult for most women. Aside from the numerous dangers and diseases, women became wives and mothers often when they were just emerging from their own childhood. Many women had a multitude of pregnancies which may or may not have been wanted. In the past, childbirth itself was risky and not infrequently, led to the death of the mother. Most women in the past did not live long enough to be concerned about menopause or old age.

In 1900, a woman's life span was about 50 years. Now, in the new millennium, life expectancy for American women is 82 years of age, and continuing to rise. Not only are women living longer, but they also have the possibility of enjoying a better quality of life t...

Emergency Contact for Charlottesville

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Charlottesville Hospitals *

University of Virginia Children's Hospital
1215 Lee St
Charlottesville, VA 22908
(434)924-5437

University of Virginia Medical Center
1215 Lee St
Charlottesville, VA 22908
(434)924-0211

Martha Jefferson Hospital
459 Locust Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434)982-7000

Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center
2270 Ivy Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434)924-5161

Whisper Ridge Behavioral Health System
2101 Arlington Blvd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434)977-1523

UVA HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital
515 Ray C Hunt Dr
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434)244-2000

Augusta Medical Center
78 Medical Center Dr
Fishersville, VA 22939
(540)932-4000

Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
243 Woodrow Wilson Ave
Fishersville, VA 22939
(540)332-7000

Commonwealth Center for Children
1355 Richmond Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540)332-2100

Western State Hospital
1301 Richmond Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540)332-8000

Rockingham Memorial Hospital
235 Cantrell Ave
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540)433-4100

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