Mammography is an X-ray test of the breasts (mammary glands) used to screen
for breast problems. A mammogram is conducted to help screen for or to
diagnose breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before
they can be felt by a woman or her health care professional.
Cancer is most easily treated and cured when it is discovered at an early
stage. While mammograms do not prevent breast cancer or reduce a woman’s
risk of developing cancer, regular mammograms can reduce a woman’s
risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting a tumor when it is at a
more treatable stage.
At Gunnison Valley Health, we offer a complete range of breast imaging
services for those who need a more in depth screen or further examination:
3D Tomosynthesis is the latest in breast imaging technology. By taking
multiple images of breast tissue to recreate a 3D picture, tumors and
cancer clusters can be more readily identified, especially in dense breast
tissue. Funding for our 3D Tomosynthesis machine was generously donated by
Cattlemen's Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink.
When should I get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women from 45 years should
be screened annually and for those women who have family history, mammograms
should begin earlier.
At Gunnison Valley Health, we recommend you consult with your doctor to
review the risks, limitations and benefits of mammograms in order to determine
what's right for your particular situation.
What to expect during your exam
The process of a 3D Mammography exam is the same as your conventional 2D
exam. The technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take
images from different angles. There is no additional compression required
with 3D Mammography exam, and it only takes a few extra seconds for an
exam, proven to be more accurate.
You don’t need a doctor’s order for a mammogram.
We want to provide our community with easy access to mammograms, so you
don’t need a doctor’s order to request a mammogram. Call
(970) 641-7253 to schedule an appointment.
Don’t have insurance?
Tough Enough To Wear Pink is committed to ensure that all residents in
the Gunnison Valley and Hinsdale counties have access to a mammogram.
If you do not have insurance, let our admissions team know and your mammogram
will be covered by Tough Enough To Wear Pink.
To schedule an appointment or for more information contact Gunnison Valley
Health's Diagnostic Imaging Department at
(970) 641-7253.
