Digital Mammography Is Now Available At Pioneers Medical Center

Pioneers Medical Center is pleased to announce that the latest in digital mammography technology is now available in our radiology department.

“Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Lois Roberts, PMC Mammography Technologist “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 our residents with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable.”

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 Fuji’s digital mammography 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 Westy Murray, PMC Radiology & Mammography Technician. “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world.

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.

Pioneers Medical Center raised $90,000 in grants to help purchase the new digital mammography equipment. Thank you to the Colorado Grand, (The Colorado Grand is an annual 1,000 mile tour through the Rocky Mountains in vintage cars. Car owners and participates donate to the Colorado Grand, who in turn donates back to the many communities of their tour.) the Rio Blanco Commissioner and the CCITF funds, and the Freeman Fairfield Trust.