As a breast cancer survivor, Ellie, center, knows mammography saves lives. She is pictured here with daughters Mary Ellen and Cynthia.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital's Digital Mammography program is certified as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Area residents have access to digital mammography exams at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and at the Amherst Outpatient Center.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram beginning at ages of 35 and 40 and that beginning at age 40, women have an annual screening mammogram. They also recommend that in addition to annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.

Some of those risk factors include family or personal history of breast cancer; early menstrual onset/late onset of menopause; use of oral contraceptives; use of hormone replacement therapy and alcohol use (two or more drinks per day). For more information about prevention and early detection visit www.cancer.org.

Cooley Dickinson’s board certified radiologists interpret studies at both the Hospital and University Drive locations. Cooley Dickinson Hospital possesses a valid license and certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Health.

To schedule an appointment in Amherst, call (413) 253-8062. To be seen in Northampton, call (413) 582-2101.