CMH Advises Women with Dense Breasts to Get Digital Mammograms

(Hudson, NY - April 9, 2007) – Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Medical Imaging Department  now provides the latest in “high tech, soft touch” mammography. The center combines full-field digital mammogram equipment with a new breast cushion, which dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram.

This FDA-cleared foam cushion, called MammoPad®, creates a softer, warmer mammogram. MammoPad has been clinically demonstrated to reduce discomfort for most women. Digital mammography has been shown to provide image quality that is at least as good as film X-rays, and actually better for some women. Columbia Memorial is a certified softer mammogram provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities.  By offering women a softer mammogram, the center hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.

“The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that many don't get regular screenings,” says Rhonda Makoske, Director of the Medical Imaging Department.  In addition to compression, the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device make the experience uncomfortable for some patients.

“The breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft warm cushion for the breast during mammography,” says Makoske.  "Because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image."

 The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion  attaches to the compression plates of both digital and traditional, X-ray film mammography devices. The recyclable breast cushion is “invisible” to X-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.

A recent study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute concluded that digital mammography provides images that are at least of equal quality to those in traditional film mammograms. For women with dense breasts, those under age 50, and women who are perimenopausal (have had at least one menstrual period in the past 12 months) digital mammography provides better images, according to the study.

“We’re dedicated to creating the best possible experience for our patients,” says Makoske. “The combination of MammoPad and digital mammography equipment is recognized in healthcare as essential to optimizing mammography and breast health. We’re pleased to be able to offer our patients this important enhancement.”

For more information, call the center at (518) 828-8228.

 

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