As women age, their chance of breast cancer increases. The risk becomes even greater if they have a family history of the diseases. While self breast exams are always recommended, a mammogram can often detect cancer at its earliest stages, when it cannot be felt by hand. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. This is a very safe test - because the amount of radiation exposure is very low, the risk of any harm from having a mammogram is extremely small. During the exam a technologist will place the breast between two X-ray panels.The panels will push the breast between them to get a clear picture - there may be some discomfort, but the exam usually takes less than a minute.

At Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center's Women's Imaging Center, we offer state-of-the-art digital mammography. In addition to lower radiation exposure with improved image clarity, we offer a computer aided diagnosis system (CAD) that assists the radiologist (physician) in identifying abnormalities in the breast. The staff at SRMC will guide patients through the entire process, assisting with retrieving films, discussing results, and, if need be, scheduling follow-up appointments for further exams. For those in need of additional diagnostics, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast MRI are available at SRMC. The Diagnostic Breast Navigator will work with you every step of the breast MRI or biopsy process, answering your questions and providing support.