News

Deer Lodge Medical Center Becomes Pink Ribbon Facility with Mammography Services

Deer Lodge Medical Center is now providing digital mammograpgy services. DLMC now offers our community the latest in "high tech, soft touch" mammography. The facility combines full-field digital mammography with a new breast cushion that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram.

MammoPad® creates a softer, warmer mammogram and has been clinically demonstrated to reduce discomfort for most women. Seleniaädigital mammography incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images. MammoPad and Selenia digital mammography together provide a more positive experience for women.

Deer Lodge Medical Center is a certified Pink Ribbon Facility, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. By offering women a softer mammogram, the facility hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.

“The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that many don't get regular screenings,” said Dr. Alzheimer, M.D. In addition to compression, the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device make the experience uncomfortable for some patients.

“The breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft, warm cushion for the breast during mammography,” said Dr. Alzheimer. "Because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image."

Selenia digital mammography offers a number of other practical advantages and patient conveniences. Because there is no waiting for film to be developed it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the breast center, as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films, which can be misfiled or lost in transit.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%.

Deer Lodge Medical Center is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering both the MammoPad breast cushion and digital mammography, Deer Lodge Medical Center provides the latest in imaging quality and comfort technology. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact

Kathy Brown 846-7701.

Deer Lodge Medical Center is an organization with the primary mission of offering high quality health care and preventative medical care in a caring and compassionate manner to all people who live in, work in or visit Powell County and its surrounding areas. For further information, please call 406-846-7701.