Screening

Because breast cancer is more likely to be cured when caught early, screening for the disease is crucial. Annual screening mammograms are an important part of early detection.  

Digital Mammography is a newer technology that takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer. Both digital and traditional film mammography use X-rays to produce an image of the breast. Digital mammography uses less radiation than film mammography and allows the image to be stored and sent electronically. Our Breast Center is the first in the Columbia area to use digital mammography and one of about 8 percent of breast imaging centers nationally to provide digital mammography.

Computer Assisted Detection is a system that helps radiologists detect cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage. After the doctor carefully examines the mammogram, the computer system scans the mammograms, as a double check, looking for anything abnormal. Studies have shown that computer assisted detection systems find 21 percent more cancers each year over manually read mammograms.

Important Points to Know about Mammograms

• Mammograms enable the radiologist to detect breast abnormalities that may be missed with a physical exam. Studies show that using mammography, in addition to clinical breast exams, detects more breast cancers at earlier stages, when they are most curable.
• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year.

      At the Palmetto Health Breast Center...

• After your first mammogram at our facility, you will receive reminders each year to schedule a screening mammogram.
• Mammogram results will be mailed to both you and your physician.
• The breast imaging specialists/radiologists and mammography technologists are among the most experienced and skilled imaging professionals in the country.

Thank you!  The 22nd annual Palmetto Health Foundation Walk for Life/Race for Life, which included the inaugural 10K Race for Life, was a tremendous success. More than 6,000 walkers and runners participated in this event on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012. Together, participants helped raise more than $550,000, including in-kind donations, for the Palmetto Health Breast Center! Save the date to join us for the 23rd annual event on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013.