What is a mammogram?
Mammography is a simple X-ray of the breast that can detect cancers so small that even the most experienced examiner cannot feel them. The examination itself uses X-rays to view the breast, usually from two angles. To get the most accurate picture possible in each X-ray, a special device gently squeezes the breast. Although this may sound painful, it is only slightly uncomfortable and the length of time the breast is compressed is just a few seconds.

Mammography Suite at Marian
Marian Community Hospital’s Mammography Suite is located on the first floor of the main hospital building. The suite was designed to provide an environment that is conducive to creating a comfortable and private setting. For your convenience, evening and Saturday appointments are available.  To schedule an appointment, call (570) 281-1200.

Marian Community's digital mammography system, a GE Healthcare Senographe, provides physicians with clear and precise all-digital images, rather than images on X-ray film.  What's more, the system provides the largest field of view currently available, which can be extremely helpful for precision imaging of patients with diverse shapes and sizes.

There are many advantages to a digital system.  The images are clear and easy to read and it offers a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women with diverse breast tissue types.  The digital images are ready to read within 10 seconds -- there is no longer a wait for films to be developed to be sure the images are usable.  Digital mammograms take as little as half the time of film.

Certifications
Marian Community Hospital’s mammography service is certified by the American College of Radiology and the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

Insurance
Mammogram costs, or a percentage of the cost, are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial insurances and HMO health plans. We will be happy to answer any questions about your insurance.

Who should get a mammogram?
Eventually, all women should get a mammogram. The American Cancer Society offers the following guidelines to women who are symptom-free:

How safe is mammography?
Mammography has been used on millions of women for over 25 years. Like all X-rays, it involves limited exposure to radiation; but the amount required is small. Because of advances in all areas of mammography the radiation dose has been dramatically reduced.

Community resources
Women of all ages may find out about their risk or their families’ risk for breast cancer by calling the Cancer Risk Program at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, (570) 941-7984.

Radiological physician services directed by Timothy J. Farley, M.D.