Most American women know the importance of having an annual mammogram after the age of 40. Currently, there are two ways a mammogram can be recorded: on film just as you would with a 35 mm camera, or onto a computer chip like the newer, digital cameras. So, the question for most women is, is one type better than the other and which type is right for me.

In the first clinical trials, conducted between 1997 and 2000, comparing digital and film mammograms, results showed that both types detected roughly the same number of breast cancers. This study led the Food and Drug Administration to approve digital mammography as both a screening and diagnostic tool for breast cancers.

Since 2000 digital mammography technology and the computers used to read the mammograms have improved dramatically and they continue to do so. The US National Cancer Institute is currently conducting a nationwide study on the effectiveness of digital mammography; the results will not be available until 2005.

In the meantime, it is most important to have a mammogram every year, whether it is digital or traditional. However, there are many advantages of digital mammography over film mammography:

• Doctors can electronically manipulate images with digital mammograms allowing them to zoom in, magnify and optimize different parts of breast tissue.
• for additional images because the digital image can be enhanced and it is available for viewing immediately after the mammogram is performed.
• Less anxiety is generated because fewer pictures are required and results are seen immediately.
• Less time and less repositioning are required because technicians are able to see images immediately; if the image has good positioning and quality, the patient is able to leave.