MCH MONADNOCK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Date: 06 Mar 2009
Contact: Gretchen Mathieu

Monadnock Community Hospital Introduces Digital Mammography

Peterborough, NH Women who undergo routine mammograms at Monadnock Community Hospital's Imaging Center now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them, digital mammography.

The Women's Imaging Center is very excited to be able to offer the newest technology for breast cancer detection. Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the image. These features allow the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on areas of concern.

To supplement this technology, The Women's Imaging Center has incorporated digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) which highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer. When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer. CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgement.

Digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening from a patient's perspective, though women may notice shorter exam times and a reduction in call-backs to obtain additional images.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The state which breast cancer is detected influences a woman's survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%.

The Women's Imaging Center at MCH is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please call us at 924-4699.

This Article was published on 06 Mar 2009. For more information, please contact
Gretchen Mathieu