“The new Selenia™ Digital Mammography System is the Gold Standard in technology for mammograms. It is the same digital technology used by the Mayo Clinic organization.”
Mike Heinzig, Radiology Manager at SCBH
Screening digital mammograms can detect changes in the breast two to seven years before they can be felt. That’s the reason our new high definition digital mammography technology offers women so many clear advantages:
- It’s quicker. There’s no waiting, less repeated imaging and exposure to radiation.
- Repositioning of the breasts for additional imaging is frequently unnecessary.
- For younger women and those with dense breasts, screening with digital mammography provides better visualization of the breast tissue.
- Suspicious areas can be enhanced, magnified and analyzed immediately.
- In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, Computer-Aided Detection has also been installed. CAD provides a “second read” of the mammogram by a computer. This helps the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis, like spell check in word processing.
“The digital images are extremely clear and there’s no waiting. The newly designed room is completely private and comfortable. We’re in the room at all times to answer questions,” said Brenda Jensen, Radiology Technologist.
Digital mammography definitely has advantages for the radiologist:
- Digital mammography is “filmless”, nothing has to be developed.
- Images are analyzed on a monitor and stored electronically. Of course, hard copies can always be produced if needed.
“American Cancer Society guidelines tell women to have a baseline mammogram at age 40 and annually after that. Over the last few years the ACS has documented a decrease in women having mammograms. Early detection is the key in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new equipment and more private room will help encourage women to have this important test,” Heinzig added.
You could be a Twofold Winner!!! Having a Digital Mammogram gives you a chance to win $100 Gift Card.
For the last three years, Swift County Benson Hospital has been participating in a grant initiative funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to collect and study data on the use of screening mammography in rural hospitals. Through various community outreach events, an effort is being made to reverse the disturbing trend of declining screening mammography.
Grant administrator, Dawn Cocchiarella, has been collecting data throughout an eleven county region that includes Swift County. “Rather than spending our marketing funds on various advertising campaigns, we are offering a monthly $100 gift card drawing. Each month for a year, one individual taking a proactive role in her health by having a mammogram will win the $100 gift card courtesy of the Komen for the Cure initiative.” Cocchiarella said the Komen Foundation hopes this increases awareness and more women will have mammograms.
To schedule your mammogram, contact Swift County Benson Hospital at 320-843-4232.