Obtaining a mammogram…learning the correct way to perform a breast self exam…these are highly personal yet vitally important for women's health. Now women in our community have access to these procedures in a private imaging center that's devoted to women.

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is proud of one of our newest departments…the Women's Imaging Center. Our goal was to create a private, peaceful environment where women would receive skilled, quality care. We think you'll agree that we have succeeded. From the moment you enter the Center, you'll feel comfortable and relaxed. Beautifully decorated, the Women's Imaging Center offers mammograms, bone density tests, consultations with the radiologist, and a resource room dedicated to women's health.

Women over the age of 40 may schedule a digital mammogram without a referral; however, all other imaging procedures require a physician's referral. To schedule an appointment, or if you need help with a referral, call us at 828-766-1630.

Welcome to the Women's Imaging Center
We considered a woman's concern for privacy, her need to learn about self-care and the desire for advanced technology that provides reliable results. Then we designed the Women's Imaging Center to deliver…

Privacy

• Private women's waiting room
  
• Private dressing room
  
• Private consultation room

Resource Room

Thanks to a generous grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the Imaging Center at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital includes a women's resource room. We invite you to take advantage of this unique educational resource, where you can…

• Learn how to properly perform a breast self exam
  
• Use life-like models demonstrating what a lump feels like and how size varies
  
• Watch a DVD about breast health (available in several languages) Help yourself to educational pamphlets covering a range of women's health topics

We value our patients' privacy, so the Resource Room is only available for patients to use. However, women in the community may schedule a tour of the Women's Imaging Center by calling 828-766-1752.

Consult with the Radiologist

We understand you have questions and that you face critical decisions based on imaging procedures. Our patients have direct access to certified radiologists through one-on-one consultations that are scheduled to discuss imaging results.

Imaging Procedures
The compassionate support you'll find in the Women's Imaging Center at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is important, but you can also count on receiving quality imaging services. Our certified and experienced radiologist uses advanced technology to ensure optimal results. Procedures available in the women's center include:

• Digital mammography: For diagnosing breast cancer, uses less radiation yet may deliver more accurate results because the x-rays are converted into 3-dimensional, high-resolution digital images.
• Bone density test: X-rays determine the amount of minerals in your bones to diagnose osteoporosis.

Mammogram Guidelines
Mammograms may detect breast cancer in an early stage when a lump is too small to be detected by you or your clinician during a physical breast examination. Cancer is easier to treat, and more likely to be cured, the sooner it's found, so mammograms are a valuable healthcare tool.

Talk to your physician to learn whether you're at a higher risk for breast cancer due to issues such as family history, weight, breast density and other risk factors. When to begin mammogram screening—and how frequently you should get them—depends on your individual circumstances.

Women 40 and older should include mammograms as a regular part of their healthcare routine. If you're not at a high risk for breast cancer, you should have a mammogram every 1-2 years from ages 40 to 50, and yearly after 50.

Talk to your physician immediately if you notice any of these signs:

• Unexplained lump or thickening in the breast or in the armpit
  
• Puckers, dimples, redness, discharge, or other changes in the skin or appearance of the breast