The Bigger Picture
Yearly Mammogram Helps Mother, Daughter Find Peace of Mind

Catherine Williams wasn’t looking forward to getting a mammogram. Having waited until she was 60 to have her first screening, she felt apprehensive about what the test would reveal. Being wheelchair-bound added to Williams’ fears, causing her to wonder how she would maintain her balance during the test and whether the medical staff would be helpful and friendly.

But from the moment Williams walked into the Inova Imaging Center – Mark Center, her fears and anxiety melted away.

“They did everything they could to make me feel as comfortable as possible,” says Williams. “The entire department is more than 100 percent accommodating, professional and supportive.”

Indeed, Williams was in good hands. Having garnered national recognition, the Imaging Center, part of Inova Breast Care Institute, is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. In addition to offering routine screening, the highly skilled medical team offers advanced diagnostic tests such as breast MRI and a computer-aided test called stereotactic biopsy.

Same-Day Results

Now 63, Williams gets a screening mammogram yearly at Inova. She is thrilled to be able to get her results before she leaves the Imaging Center.

“To get the results right on the spot means everything. I think it would mean everything to every woman because you’re apprehensive about going in there, let’s say if they’re following a certain abnormality in your breast, and not having to wait for the results takes the stress away,” says Williams.

At her most recent mammogram, Williams brought her daughter to get a screening mammogram. “My daughter just turned 40 so I took her to the Imaging Center,” Williams says. “I would hope that when others have to make the decision as to where they have their mammogram, they select the Inova Alexandria facility,” she adds, “because the people really treat you with kindness and respect.”

Williams is especially grateful to two individuals who helped her during her most recent mammogram. “I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to mammographer Charis Lancaster for her sincere kindness and assistance during my recent mammogram. I would also like to thank radiologist Dr. Tammy Lamb for her timely feedback and helpfulness after my mammogram,” says Williams.

	Safe Screenings
	Mammograms provide women with a safe and effective way to spot problems at an early stage when they’re still treatable. If you’re a woman 40 years of age or older, the American Cancer Society recommends that you have a screening mammogram every year. Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to view the breast. You would be exposed to the same amount of radiation flying from Los Angeles to New York as you would if you got a mammogram. The best reason to get screened: Breast cancer can be detected on a mammogram two years before it is noticed during a routine physical exam.

Make an Appointment
To schedule a mammogram call 571-423-5400.