For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Karen Cook, 952-403-2228

Introducing Digital Mammography At St. Francis

Shakopee, Minn. 10/17/2007--We are pleased to announce that we have purchased a new Hologic Selenia digital mammography system. Starting on July 9th, we will be able to offer digital mammography examinations to patients at St. Francis. In striving to deliver the highest quality care to our patients, we will now be using the most advanced technology available. Digital mammography provides patients with optimal breast imaging and comfort with lower x-ray dosage.

“Screening mammography is the most important tool for early detection of breast cancer. Digital mammography has the added benefit of better penetration of dense breast tissue resulting in improved resolution in women with dense breasts, ” said Dr. Mary Hestness, a board certified radiologist and Medical Director of the St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging Department. “Because the images can be manipulated on a computer work station, both the image quality and radiation exposure reduction can be optimized.”

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., breast cancer incidence in women has increased from one in 20 in 1960 to one in eight today. If detected early, the five-year survival rate for this disease exceeds 95%. Digital mammography enables physicians and clinicians to better pinpoint the disease and plan treatment. “Our new Digital Mammography system will help St. Francis provide the women of the surrounding communities with the best possible exams,” said Sharon Ernst, Lead Mammographer at St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging. “In addition to increased diagnostic capabilities, digital mammography is also designed to reduce the discomfort often associated with mammography as the need for retakes and additional pictures is reduced with electronic image manipulation.” Ernst added that since the images are digital and stored on computers, lost or misplaced films are a thing of the past. The demand for Digital Mammography is high, and the staff at St. Francis are excited and proud to offer this state-of-the art technology.

A special workstation enables the radiologist to view the patient's digital mammogram via a powerful computer with high-resolution monitors. Magnifying, and changing the contrast, windows, and levels of the image enable the radiologist to see the abnormalities at a better advantage. These features are particularly helpful when the radiologist is consulted on surgical cases. In addition, there is a computer aided detection (CAD) system, which is built into the computer workstation, which serves as a "second opinion" for the radiologist.

For more information on scheduling a digital mammogram, call St. Francis Diagnostic Services at 952-403-2150.