Hundreds of thousands of women have mammogram screenings every year.
Experts say they can save lives.
Dr. John Gouse, Medical Director and Radiologist along with his team at Telfair Pavilion read thousands of mammograms annually.
He says early detection is key meaning get your mammogram each and every year.
“Specific things that we look for.  We do have the ability to have the computer help us.  It’s called computer aided detection. So the computer highlights areas that we might want to take a second look at. The key to defeating breast cancer is early detection.” 
Many people put off having a mammogram because they’re afraid or think it’s too painful.
Honestly every mammogram that I’ve had hurt less than I first thought.
Access is knowledge.  
A year ago,  October 16th I was  at Mary Telfair Pavilion having my annual mammogram screening.  Now I’m back.
As I wait my turn i feel somewhat anxious.
Now it’s time.
Mammography Technologist DeDe Jordan is trained to operate equipment used to examine breasts for any signs or issues.
The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Consider this- if you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. 
I wanted to see the images of my breasts.
“You can see your muscle.  Your nipple quite fine.”
DeDe was personable and comforting. 
“I try to stay on schedule and make sure I do my breast self exam every month.  Yes.
Another thing most people don’t know to do is to look at your breast in the mirror.  When you look down you see the top.  You don’t see underneath and the sides.  So if you stand in front of the mirror and look at your breasts as you do your breast exam and a lot of people see abnormalities,” explains Mammography Technologist DeDe Jordan.
Once my screening was done,  Radiologist Dr. John Gouse was responsible for reading and interpreting my mammogram.
I’ll be honest i felt confident, but in the back of my mind I as a little nervous. 
And finally after about 20 minutes the big question.
 “Can you share with me what my results are today?  We are happy to share your results.
Your results were negative normal unchanged from your prior exam.  so everything looks good” explains Dr. Gouse.
this was not my first mammogram.
dr. gouse reminded me to do my breast self exams, and an annual physical exam by my family doctor. 
i hope sharing my mammogram experience with you will help save lives and encourage every woman to get screened.
This was not my first mammogram.
Dr. Gouse reminded me to do my breast self exams, an annual physical exam by my family doctor, and to have my mammogram again next year. 
I hope sharing my mammogram experience with you will help save lives and encourage every woman to get screened.