Backus mammography going fully digital

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In an effort to improve health services for women, Backus Hospital is converting to digital mammography on the main hospital campus and its imaging locations in Norwichtown, Groton and Colchester. The devices, expected to be operational by Spring, were funded by the Backus Foundation, Inc. Gail Weingast, MD, Mammography Section Chief at Backus Hospital, said digital mammography is more convenient and efficient for patients, and some studies show digital images are more precise and accurate compared to film. The technology is expected to be available to patients in the next couple months. According to Dr. Weingast, the benefits over standard mammography include:

· Faster image acquisition

· Better image clarity

· Shorter exam time

· Computerized image storage and retrieval

· Physician manipulation of breast images for more accurate detection of cancer

· Fewer repeat mammograms

· Ability for physicians to consult with one another and examine images on their computers off the main hospital campus without having to physically transfer films

· Better ability to compare past and present mammograms

· Computer-assisted diagnosis is possible.

A recent study by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network showed that digital mammography detected more cancers than screen film mammography in women 50 and younger, premenopausal women and women with dense breasts. Another study showed that digital mammography may better detect calcifications, which can be a sign of cancer. Backus, which performs approximately 15,000 mammograms per year, has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology - one of only four hospitals in the state, and the only one in eastern Connecticut to receive this designation.