TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Not everyone enjoys getting a mammogram.

Dr. Phatama Padavamija, Medical Oncologist, Mountain States Tumor Institute says, "a lot of it is fear. They're afraid of the costs. Some women think the procedure hurts."

Doctor Padavamija is a Medical Oncologist at St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute.

She says some women would rather not know if they have breast cancer and avoid the mammogram altogether.

"We need to do better as far as getting awareness out to women around here to get the screening and the American Cancer Society's recommendation is that women the age of 40 and older get an annual mammogram."

Three years ago Peggy Berrey found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She found the cancer through a self exam.

"I went through the process of having the mammogram and the ultrasound and the biopsy," says Berrey.

Patti Allen, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, North Canyon Medical Center says, "last year at the facility we performed 300 more mammograms than we did the year before."

Behind me are two examples of mammogram screenings. This one is from November 7, 2007 and this the digital image is from October 7, 2011 and you can see is much more detailed.

"How much tissue, how much you can see with the digital, is such an improvement," adds Allen.

Dr. Padavamija says if your medical provider doesn't have a digital mammogram, a regular mammogram is all that's required. But does recommend digital mammograms for the younger generation.

"You can see better with women with denser breasts, especially in younger women," says Dr. Padavamija.

And of course, checking in with your medical provider is always the best case scenario.