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Media inquiries: 434-924-5679 U.VA. HEALTH SYSTEM EXPANDS DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY |
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There’s another tool in town that can help detect breast cancer. As part of its commitment to serve women in Central Virginia, the University of Virginia Health System has added a new digital mammography machine in the Northridge medical building, located at 2955 Ivy Road in Albemarle County. Because digital mammography is computer-generated, it can be a better screening option than traditional film mammography for women who have dense breast tissue and are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially women who take hormone replacement therapy. “We encourage women who know they have dense breast tissue to specifically request digital mammograms,” said Dr. Jennifer Harvey, head of the U.Va. Division of Breast Imaging. “The better resolution may help radiologists detect subtle cancers hidden in the breast. The image is clearer and more detailed and can be manipulated for contrast and brightness. This advantage means that women are less likely to be asked to return for a repeat mammogram.” Research shows women who have a digital mammogram are also less likely to receive false-positive results. Since there’s no film processing, digital mammography is faster. The test is complete in as little as ten seconds, Harvey said. Women receive the same radiation dose and breast compression level for both the film and digital versions. “Screening tools like mammography are the major reason for the decline in breast cancer mortality today,” Harvey said. “Our hope is that digital mammograms will save even more lives by catching breast cancer at a stage when our current therapies can lead to a cure.” In addition to Northridge, digital mammography is offered at the Primary Care building at the U.Va. Medical Center in Charlottesville. U.Va. was the first hospital to bring the digital option to Central Virginia. For more information about mammography services at U.Va. call (434) 243-4535. |