Breast Care

Mammography remains the single most effective method of screening for breast cancer. It can detect cancer several years before physical symptoms appear.

Mammography Services

Women who undergo routine mammograms at Capital Region Medical Center have the latest diagnostic technology available to them.  CRMC is the first healthcare provider in Jefferson City to offer digital mammography with the addition of a GE Senographe DS digital mammography system (see image).

“Digital mammography definitely has advantages for the patient,” said Dr. Diane Light, Chief of Staff at CRMC.  “Many women including young women and those choosing hormone replacement therapy have dense breasts.  For them, screening with digital mammography provides better visualization of the breast tissue, which translates into better patient care.”The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer, which may alleviate the need for additional imaging and more exposure to radiation.“Women will notice little difference when going for a digital mammogram,” said Dr. Light.  “The procedure is the same as traditional film mammography, but less time consuming.  Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast.  However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image.”

Digital mammography offers a number of other practical advantages and patient conveniences. Because digital mammography is “filmless,” nothing has to be developed saving time.  Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films, which can be misfiled or lost in transit.  Of course, hard copies can always be produced if needed.

Mammography services at CRMC are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Two full-time and two part-time registered mammographers perform services.

Scheduling

For more information or to make an appointment for a digital mammogram at CRMC, please call 573-632-5152

Physician's order

No - Mammography self referral is available at Capital Region Medical Center. Without a physician order, all mammography results will be sent to Dr. Diane Light.

Yes - If you want your results to go to your specific physician, you will need to obtain a physician's order. The physician's office staff will fax the order to Centralized Scheduling. You schedule your own appointment by calling Centralized Scheduling at (573) 632-5145.

Hours

Mammograms are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Results

After your mammogram, you receive a letter with your test results and your physician receives a final report.

Breast Care Guidelines

The following guidelines from the American Cancer Society for the early detection of breast cancer are an important part of a woman's health plan:

Age 20-39:

• Have a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years.
• Do a breast self-exam every month.

Age 40 and over:

• Have a mammogram every year.
• Have a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every year.
• Do a breast self-exam every month.

These ages are used as a guideline. Please notify your physician of any concerns or questions you may have. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines and scheduling with your health care provider.

Contact Us

You can get a breast care pamphlet and shower card from the Mammography department at Capital Region Medical Center. These are educational tools used to explain how to do a breast self-exam, explain risk factors, and list warning signs.For more information about mammography services at CRMC, call (573) 632-5265.