 Women who undergo routine mammograms at Boone County Hospital (BCH) now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them. In June, the Radiology Department began offering Digital Mammography.
BCH is very excited to be able to offer the newest technology for breast cancer detection. Digital Mammography is different from conventional Mammography in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The new system delivers exceptionally sharp digital images with better contrast and consistency at the lowest possible dose for the patient.
“Our new Digital Mammography system uses a digital detector to convert x-rays to a digital signal for computerized display and manipulation on high-resolution monitors,” says Craig Freeman, Boone County Hospital’s Radiology Director. “This system offers capabilities not provided by our previous screen-film Mammography system. Probably the most important advantage of Digital Mammography is the technology is more sensitive than previous systems for certain subsets of women—those women that are premenopausal and those that have dense breasts.”
The new Digital Mammography offers no waiting for film to be developed so breast studies can be viewed at a moments notice, can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the imaging suite, and reduces the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. In addition, prior exams can be pulled up on the computer screen and can be compared to current images.
BCH is a certified Pink Ribbon Facility, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. By offering women a softer Mammogram due to a breast cushion that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a Mammogram, the facility hopes to increase the number of women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.
 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 state at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman's survival. If detected early, the five year survival rate is 97%.
For more information about the new Digital Mammography at Boone County Hospital, call 433-8160.
Pictured above right: Amy Johannsen, Teresa Beem & Dani Saathoff, mammographers, stand by the new digital mammography equipment; above: Amy compares the clarity from the images taken from the new mammo equipment to images taken from the old equipment
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