Aug. 18 , 2008

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

Digital mammography available soon at the St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center at CentraCare Health Plaza and CentraCare Clinic- River Campus are pleased to announce the availability of the latest in digital mammography technology starting Sept. 9. With the installation of Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) system, developed by FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc., the Breast Center is the first breast imaging facility in St. Cloud to offer this digital mammography capability.

“The benefits with Fuji’s digital mammography will not only allow us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently but, more importantly, enable us to provide the top level of care for our breast imaging patients,” said Nancy May, coordinator of the St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center. “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world, and we’re pleased to be among one of the first facilities in our area to offer its benefits.”

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 younger than 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women younger than 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 examination time for the patient is less.

“Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Jody Bolton-Smith, M.D., a radiologist at Regional Diagnostic Radiology. “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 St. Cloud-area women with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable.”

The new technology allows the interpreting physician to electronically enhance and magnify the images, and to adjust the contrast to better examine any suspicious areas. The technology also facilitates long-distance consultations with other specialists.

The St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center is able to ensure that every woman scheduled for breast screening receives a digital mammogram.

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. In Minnesota, 630 women are expected to die from breast cancer this year. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. A breast exam by your health care provider and monthly breast self-exam should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for all women over 40.

Learn more about the Breast Center

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