Digital mammography now available at Backus imaging centers
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NORWICH - Backus Hospital now has the latest digital mammography available on its main campus and at imaging centers in Norwichtown, Colchester and Groton.
With digital mammography, radiologists are able to quickly review and manipulate higher quality electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest.
Because the images are stored electronically, digital mammography can be easily transmitted - from the Colchester Backus Health Center to radiologists at the main hospital campus, for example - and accessed by clinicians for future reference, without the need to manually retrieve films.
The purchase of the digital mammography equipment was funded by the Backus Foundation as part of the hospital's overall investment in breast health, which also includes improving early detection, education and following patients through the continuum of care. Installation and training was completed in June.
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.
Mammograms are recommended annually for women older than 40, and help identify cysts, calcifications and tumors within the breast. They are considered to be the most effective way to detect early breast cancer.
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances for survival and less invasive procedures to treat the cancer.