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For Immediate Release | For more information, contact: |
New Ulm Medical Center expands breast health services with introduction of digital mammographyNEW ULM, Minn 02/21/2008--New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) has expanded its health and wellness services for women with the recent addition of digital mammography. NUMC is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, which invested $400,000 to bring this state-of-the-art equipment to patients in the New Ulm area.  New Ulm Medical Center Radiology Technologists (l-r) Lynn Martinka, Leann Lendt, Janet Kral, Mary Donnelly, Jane Stueber and Sharon Retka trained on the new digital mammography equipment this week at New Ulm Medical Center.
Advanced technology for breast cancer detectionDigital mammography represents the most advanced technology for breast cancer detection. From a patient's perspective, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use X-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert X-ray energy into a digital image. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis. Digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening from a patient's perspective, though women may notice shorter exam times and a reduction in call-backs to obtain additional images. "Digital mammography allows us to provide our patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer close to home," said Joan Krikava, MD, director of medical affairs at New Ulm Medical Center. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Statistics show 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 survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. "Digital mammography provides a win-win situation for patients and radiologists," said Mareve Kayfes MD, radiologist with Consulting Radiologists, Ltd, which provides radiology physician services to NUMC. "Digital mammography allows us to view the X-ray more closely zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas while the patient is still in the exam room." Computer-aided detection (CAD)In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, New Ulm Medical Center is also offering computer-aided detection. CAD provides a "second read" of the mammogram by a computer, assisting the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis, like spell check in word processing. Scheduling a mammogramNew Ulm Medical Center is committed to the fight against breast cancer. To schedule a mammogram, call 507-233-1150.
About New Ulm Medical CenterPart of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) is a not-for-profit regional medical center, including a hospital and clinic, committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Brown County. Information about NUMC's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.newulmmedicalcenter.com # # # Related LinksGet the most from your mammogram
Digital mammography better than film for some women
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