Lab Tests & Radiology

A. Presently DDHC does not, however the Radiology department has initiated discussions on a 3D unit. Our mammographer has been fully certified and trained on both 2D and a 3D mammography units.

A. While a mammogram does use radiation, it is a very small amount and is within the medical guidelines. Because mammography is a screening tool, it is highly regulated by the FDA, Mammography Quality and Standards Act and the American College of Radiology (ACR). A mammogram is safe as long as the facility you go is certified by the regulating agencies. There is constant background radiation in the world that we are exposed to every day. The radiation dose of a mammogram is equal to about two months of background radiation for the average woman.

A. The ACR and the American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammogram for all women over 40, regardless of symptoms or family history.

A. Mammogram is detection, not prevention. Having a normal mammogram is great news, but it does not guarantee that future mammograms will be normal. Having a mammogram every year increases the chance of detecting the cancer when it is small and when it is most easily treated which also improves survival.