Hamilton Memorial Hospital District (HMHD) is pleased to announce that the latest in digital mammography technology is now available at the hospital in McLeansboro. With the installation of Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) system, developed by FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc., Hamilton Memorial will now ensure that every woman scheduled for breast screening receives a digital mammogram.
“Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Genia Nelson, Director of Radiology for HMHD. “And according to a recent landmark study, digital mammography offers significant benefits to certain groups of women. We’re proud to be able to provide the women of Hamilton County, White County, Wayne County and the surrounding area with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable” added Nelson.
Digital mammography at HMHD will be performed in the new Radiology Suite at Hamilton Memorial meaning that patients do not have to travel outside to a mobile unit as is often the case at other area hospitals. “Being able to perform digital mammography in our new Radiology Department should really add to the comfort and privacy of our patients. We do not have to worry about privacy concerns that come with transporting patients through the hospital to get to a mobile unit and our patients will be able to have their testing completed inside our new work area meaning that patients and staff do not have to travel outside to get to a mobile unit in inclement weather. I think this is a tremendous benefit for our patients” added Nelson.
Digital mammography, a mammogram that uses new detection technologies and computers instead of film, was found in a landmark clinical study of more than 42,000 women to be better than film-screen mammography in detecting breast cancer in three groups: women under 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause, and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts.
From the patient’s perspective, the procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; however, since the images are available almost immediately and no film development time is necessary, the wait time for the patient is less.
“The benefits we are experiencing with the new digital mammography unit are not only allowing us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently but, more importantly, they are enabling us to provide the top level of care for our breast imaging patients,” said Nelson. “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world, and we are so excited to make digital mammographies available to the women in our area.”
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54, and the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. A breast exam by a doctor should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for women 40 and above.
