LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER FIRST IN BROOKLYN TO OFFER 3D MAMMOGRAPHY
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER FIRST IN BROOKLYN TO OFFER 3D MAMMOGRAPHY
Breast tomosynthesis employs the latest breast cancer screening and diagnostic technology
September 14, 2011, Brooklyn, NY…Lutheran Medical Center just became the first health care system in Brooklyn to offer 3D digital mammography. Breast tomosynthesis is a revolutionary technology that gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissues. There are currently less than 100 of the 8,000 breast cancer screening sites in the U.S. that use this new generation of digital mammography equipment.
The purchase of the new 3D digital mammography equipment from Hologic™ was made possible through the work of the New York City Council including Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Members Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Sara M. González and Vincent J. Gentile.
"It is our responsibility to keep women safe from breast cancer through increased access to screening," explained City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. "We have a long way to go in each borough, but this puts us one step closer to making breast cancer a thing of the past in Brooklyn. I'd like to sincerely thank Lutheran Medical Center and my Council colleagues for their support and ongoing commitment to women's health."
"I am thrilled to have been able to assist in bringing this state-of-the-art technology to Lutheran," said Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. "Annual mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. Early detection helps to save lives and that's exactly what we're aiming to do with this 3D mammography system."
"Lutheran's patients now have the ability to receive top-notch care from experienced doctors with the latest generation of equipment right in their backyards," explained Councilwoman Sara M. González. "It is an honor to have partnered with my fellow Council Members to aid Lutheran in acquiring the breast tomosynthesis technology."
"Lutheran Medical Center has a 128-year history of caring for our neighbors," explained Councilman Vincent J. Gentile. "The addition of this modern technology keeps Lutheran on the cutting-edge as part of an elite group of facilities across the country. As the only health care provider in the borough to offer 3D mammography services, Lutheran continues to provide vital services to our neighbors."
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate 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.
This technology offers the next level in breast imaging because it uses high-powered computers to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin "slices" building what is essentially a 3D image of the breast. This 3D image allows the Radiology Department to zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest to show one millimeter at a time, which is particularly helpful for women with dense breasts, masses or nodules. The system also provides a more accurate mammogram for women under 50 and those who are perimenopausal. Test results can also be available the same day, reducing patient anxiety.
Lutheran, through its Radiology Department and physician chair, Jayanth Rao, M.D., has made major strides toward developing a comprehensive Breast Surgery Program for women with breast cancer and other breast diseases. The program seeks to create a coordinated and multi-disciplinary approach through a combination of radiology, pathology and radiation therapy. In January, Lutheran appointed Alan Sickles, M.D., as coordinator of the Breast Surgery Program. Dr. Sickles is a former LMC intern and resident, and previously served as a breast surgeon at St. Vincent's and Beth Israel and as SVP and CMO at Cabrini Medical Center. Dr. Sickles is a widely published author, active lecturer and has served as a visiting professor at universities around the world.
Click here for photos.
To schedule your screening mammogram, contact your primary physician.
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