Mercy offers Lorain County women the best of both worlds: Breast health technology and compassionate care

While significant advancements have been made in the fight against breast cancer, early detection is still the best protection, with digital mammography serving as the standard screening method. Similar to the former standard film mammography, digital mammography requires breast compression and radiation to create a clear image of the breast. However, digital mammography provides added benefits to the patient and physician. Benefits to digital mammography screening include: • Faster image acquisition (less than one minute) compared to developing conventional mammography film • Shorter exam time (approximately half that of film-based mammography) • Ability for physicians to manipulate the image for more accurate detection of breast cancer • Easier image storage • Ability to correct under or over exposure of films without having to repeat mammograms • Electronic transmittal of images for remote consultation with other physicians • Improved contrast between dense and non-dense breast tissue To ensure women throughout Lorain County have a screening location close to home, Mercy offers digital mammography at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain, Mercy Diagnostic Center in Elyria and Mercy Allen Hospital in Oberlin. Plus, for added convenience, all Mercy facilities now offer self-referral mammography, so you no longer need an order from your physician to schedule a mammogram. At Mercy our goal is for patients to feel comfortable, reassured and at ease. That is why in addition to the latest technology, Mercy offers a program to help ease the worry and anxiety that can come with waiting for mammography results. Women who have a mammogram want answers quickly. With Mercy’s expedited breast program, women who have a diagnostic mammogram (a mammogram done for the suspicion of an abnormality) are now receiving their results and their peace of mind before they leave the facility. Mercy’s staff works to streamline communication with doctors, and they offer a nurse navigator to help patients through every step of the process. Three steps for early detection of breast cancer: 1. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast changes promptly to their doctor. 2. Regular clinical breast exam – women younger than 40 should have their breasts examined by a medical professional about every three years and annually after age 40. 3. Yearly mammogram – women should obtain a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include: • Lump or swelling in the breast or underarm area • Skin irritation or dimpling • Nipple pain or turning inward • Redness or scaly appearance of the nipple or breast skin • Discharge other than breast milk If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. For more information about digital mammography at Mercy or to make an appointment, call 440-245-1012.

“After a digital mammogram is completed, the magnification, orientation, brightness and contrast of the image may be altered to help the radiologist more clearly see certain areas of the breast and more closely evaluate a potential abnormality,” said Carrie Jankowski, director of diagnostic imaging services.