We've Gone Soft on Mammography
Posted on: 02/28/2007
February 28, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kansas City Imaging Center
Shelly Hughes
913-667-5600
shughes@kansascityimaging.com
Local Breast Center Provides
Softer Mammogram, Digital Technology
Kansas City, Kansas -- Kansas City Imaging Center has announced that it 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.
The 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.
“The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that many don't get regular screenings,” said Douglas Nemmers, M.D., radiologist at Kansas City Imaging Center. 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,” said Dr. Nemmers. "Because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image."
By offering women a softer mammogram, the center hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.
The recyclable, single-use, adhesive-backed 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,” said Dr. Nemmers. “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 913-667-5600, or access its Web site at www.kansascityimaging.com.
The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammograms. For this reason, both the society and the American College of Radiology recommend that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly.
In offering both the breast cushion and digital mammography, KCIC provides the latest in imaging quality and comfort technology.
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