The World’s Most Advanced Technology For Detection Of Breast Cancer Soon Available At Ephraim McDowell Health
or Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center, will soon have the latest diagnostic technology in the world available to them. Ephraim McDowell Health (EMH) is one of two organizations in Kentucky that will offer breast cancer screenings with a Selenia® Dimensions® 2D full field digital mammography system.
There are more than 8,000 breast cancer screening sites in the United States. Nearly 5,000 have at least one digital mammography system, but less than 100 have installed this newest generation of digital mammography equipment.
Digital mammography will be available at Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center beginning July 29, at Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital on August 5 and at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center on August 19. There are only four sites in the Commonwealth that have this latest technology, Ephraim McDowell Health is home to three of those four sites.
The new system offers incredibly sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort and a flexible platform that is designed to support advanced mammography applications. Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in the way the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features make it easier for the radiologist to evaluate and focus on areas of concern. Digital mammography is revolutionizing the practice of mammography through its ability to yield high quality images at low radiation dose.
"The institution of digital mammography is a big step for Ephraim McDowell as well as the community," says Dr. Joshua Phelps, radiologist. "With improvements in technology, it is necessary to evolve to maximize benefits for the patient. The patient is always the top priority."
"By offering women the latest technology in mammography, we hope to increase the number of women who detect breast cancer in its earliest stages," says Vicki A. Darnell, president and CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health. "Mammography is the gold standard in breast cancer detection and digital mammography is the gold standard in mammography. We are pleased to be able to offer this high level of care to our community."
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman's chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.
EMH is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering digital mammography, EMH provides the latest in imaging quality. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please call (859) 239-1282.