This year in America, about 185,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women.
Jersey Shore Hospital recently advanced the fight against the disease by installing a new innovative digital mammography system for its patients - the GE Senographe Essential.
The new, powerful technology for the detection and fight against breast cancer allows Jersey Shore Hospital to offer its patients state-of-the-art mammograms that are precise, clear and more comfortable. The new system provides the largest field of view currently available, which reduces the need for extra exposures during the procedure, reducing radiation dose, and gives physicians accurate images to use in diagnosis.
"This new technology will provide accurate results and increased ease of use for our patients," said Dr. Lisa Strawser, radiologist, at Jersey Shore Hospital. "Providing superior diagnostic equipment for our patients is great for preventive health. We are both proud and fortunate to utilize such a powerful tool."
There are many advantages to the digital system. The GE Senographe Essential offers an excellent view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women with diverse breast tissue types.
The digital images are immediately ready for radiologists to view.
When coupled with PowerScribe, a voice recognition system geared toward radiologists, and the Meditech electronic medical record, efficiency and turn-around times for both patients and physicians are improved.
The American Cancer Society recommends women over 20 years old perform breast self-examinations every month, women between 20-39 have a clinical breast exam every three years, and women over 40 have a clinical breast exam and mammogram every year.
It has been proven that mammograms save lives.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women age 40 years or older never have had a mammogram.
Jersey Shore Hospital is accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology and provides advanced, personalized healthcare, within reach.
Appointments are available through personal physicians or by calling 398-5165.
Those who are uninsured may qualify for a free mammogram through a grant provided by Susan G. Komen. To learn about the qualifications, call 398-5289.
