New Imaging Tool Dramatically Improves Breast Cancer Detection; No Other Hospital in Merrimack Valley Offers FDA-Approved, Breakthrough Technology
LOWELL, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a major expansion of its high-quality, community-based healthcare services, Saints Medical Center announced today it has become the only hospital in the Merrimack Valley and north of Boston to provide 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis).
The new breast imaging tool, which was approved by the FDA in February 2011, produces a 3D image that gives doctors an enhanced view of breast tissue, allowing them to better detect the location of possible abnormalities. The 2D images produced by standard mammography can hide potential tumors, making tomosynthesis an essential tool in the screening process.
Beginning immediately, 3D mammography screening is available at the hospital’s main campus on Hospital Drive, Lowell, and at Saints’ Women’s Center for Health + Wellness, 203 Turnpike Street, North Andover. To schedule an exam at either location, patients should call: 978-322-2450.
A referral or physician’s order is not needed for a screening 3D mammogram. Tomosynthesis is performed at the same time as a conventional mammogram, on the same imaging system. All mammography services at Saints are interpreted by breast imaging specialists from Massachusetts General Hospital Imaging.
Stephen J. Guimond, Saints president and CEO, said the availability of tomosynthesis is consistent with Saints mission to deliver cutting edge medical services in a community hospital setting. “This important diagnostic tool is good news for women across the Merrimack Valley, north of Boston and Southern New Hampshire, regions that are highly accessible to our facilities. We are proud to be only the fourth hospital in the state to offer the service, and one of the first 50 in the entire country.”
Dr. George Meltsakos, Saints’ chief of medicine, stated, “The availability of tomosynthesis for our patients is a major advancement in breast cancer screening. We are confident that the utilization of this imaging process will lead to better screening, decreased callbacks, and much less patient anxiety.”
Dr. Elizabeth Rafferty, director of breast imaging at Mass General Hospital, said, “Mammography plays a critical role in the early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer, and this new technology brings mammography to the next level. As a radiologist, I can better visualize potential abnormalities and avoid many unnecessary additional tests. It is our patients who will benefit.”
By offering women the latest technology in mammography, Saints hopes to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened. 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 lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.
The tomosynthesis system utilized by Saints is manufactured by Hologic, Inc., Bedford, Mass., a leading provider of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women throughout the world.
About Saints Medical Center
Saints Medical Center is a full service, acute care community hospital serving Greater Lowell and the Merrimack Valley since 1839. A 157-bed licensed medical center, Saints provides advanced health services to 315,000 residents in 25 towns. With nearly 400 physicians and 1,300 employees, Saints Medical Center is well known for outstanding medical care and patient-centered facilities including its Centers of Excellence in Cancer Care, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular Services and Women’s Health. Saints also offers community-based care at several ambulatory sites and is dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the community. Saints has clinical affiliations with several leading Boston academic medical centers and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. Further information is available at www.saintsmedicalcenter.org.
CONTACT:
Nicolazzo & Associates
Joe M. Grillo, 617-951-0000
[email protected]
or
Saints Medical Center
Kevin Coughlin, 978-697-1487
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Massachusetts
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Hospitals Medical Devices Oncology
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