Cedar Rapids to Begin Using State-of-the-Art Digital Mammography
As part of a joint community-wide effort, Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, RCI Imagining Center and OB-GYN Associates are pleased to announce the arrival of digital mammography to Cedar Rapids. All four facilities have purchased digital mammography systems and are now offering digital mammography examinations. This collaborative effort between local health care organizations, with the shared goal of early breast cancer detection, is among the first of its kind in the nation.
Digital mammography, the newest technology available for breast cancer detection, is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated.
“It’s somewhat like the switch from film to digital personal use cameras with similar advantages, such as the ability to review and process images on a computer screen.” said Arnold Honick, MD, Radiologist at RCI.
The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.
A patient undergoing a digital mammogram should notice little difference in the way the examination is conducted, though exam times may be shorter. Because there is no film to process, the technician will be able to view images immediately on a computer screen and reposition the patient to obtain alternate images, as needed. Although the resulting images could be produced on traditional film, they are usually saved as digital files that can be transmitted electronically to a radiologist or hospital instead of being sent through the mail or hand-carried. According to Dr. Honick, digital images are also easier to store and retrieve.
“Digital mammography provides process improvements and allows us to send information more quickly from one point to another – out of town or in town. We can also use a lower dose of radiation while improving the overall quality of the image,” said Honick.
Digital mammography provides patients with a number of benefits, including:
- Higher detection rate of breast cancer in women under 50, pre and peri-menopausal women and women with dense breast tissue
- Reduced need for recalls and additional images
- Lower radiation dose than standard film screen mammography
- Provides a platform for future technologies dedicated to advancing the early detection of breast cancer
“Our goal is to provide the best possible care to women. We feel that the investment we have made to implement digital mammography in Cedar Rapids is a testament to the local health care community. It demonstrates our commitment to the early detection of breast cancer,” said Honick.
The four Cedar Rapids facilities offering digital mammography have purchased the Selenia digital mammography system from Hologic.
“Women should be screened with whatever means they have available in their community—film or digital.” said Honick. “Digital mammography provides a number of benefits, but traditional mammography remains an appropriate option.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40 – and consult with their physicians earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.
To learn more about digital mammography, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Mercy Women’s Center at 398-6821.
