Over the years great medical strides have been made in understanding and treating breast cancer. Copley’s Senior Director of Clinical Services and Quality, Joe Falworth explained that Copley has been on the cutting edge of breast imaging technology.
Did you know that the most significant risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older? “Early detection provides more treatment options and a greater chance of survival. The fact is all women are at risk. You can lower that risk by regular (yearly) mammogram screenings, monthly breast self-exams and regular physical examination by their physician,” said Lise Hamel, Manager Copley Radiology.
Falworth noted that in the fall of 2004 the hospital’s radiology department upgraded to digital mammography. Digital mammography is a high quality technology that allows the radiologist to view and manipulate breast images. “Our digital mammography system uses the best technology available anywhere.” In addition to enhancing visualization of the structure within the breast tissue the radiologist 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 detection.
The following year, in an effort to ease the discomfort that many women have expressed over having a mammogram, the hospital began using foam pads with each mammography performed. MammoPad is a soft disposable cushion that is attached to the hard and often cold compression plates. “The cushion is just another way to show our patients we care about their experience,” said Hamel.
More recently computer aided-detection (CAD) became a routine part of the breast cancer screening at Copley. CAD can be best described as a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient’s mammogram film after the radiologist has already made an initial interpretation. If the computer software detects any breast abnormalities or areas of interest on the digital film, it marks them. The radiologist can then go back and review the mammogram film to determine whether the marked areas are suspicious and require further examination.
Falworth added that based on clinical studies of the CAD technology, researchers estimate that for every 100,000 breast cancers currently detected with screening mammograms, the CAD technology could result in the detection of an additional 20,500 breast cancers.
What these advancements mean to the community is that Copley is committed to providing the best possible care and diagnosis to women. For more information on Copley’s radiology services call 802-888-8888.
Contact Information
Peter Wright Senior Director Planning, Development & Medical Group Operations Copley Health Systems 802-888-8301 pwright@chsi.org
