160 North Midland Avenue
Nyack, New York  10960-1998
(845) 348-2000
www.nyackhospital.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              CONTACT:  Amy Massimo
Director, Public Affairs
DATE:  December 14, 2007                               PHONE: 845.348.2773

NEW DIGITAL BREAST CANCER IMAGING TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE AT NYACK HOSPITAL

Senographe® 2000D Helps Detect Breast Cancer Earlier and More Accurately

Nyack, NY – Nyack Hospital has installed a new mammography system that will help physicians detect and diagnose breast cancer patients earlier and more accurately. This system, called the GE Senographe® 2000D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system, is designed and manufactured by GE Medical Systems to provide physicians with clear and precise all-digital images rather than on X-ray film.

“When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is key.  Nyack Hospital is the only hospital-based provider of digital mammography services in the area, which will help us continue to win the battle against breast cancer,” says Michele Blackwood, MD, Director of Breast and Women’s Health Prevention Services at Nyack Hospital. “This system has revolutionized breast care, allowing us to offer our patients state-of-the-art mammograms that are faster and easier than before. It also gives our referring physicians more accurate images to use in diagnosis.”

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly one-third of all female cancer diagnoses.  According to the American Cancer Society, it is expected that 212,920 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed nationally, with over 14,000 in New York. 

According to Dr. Blackwood, “Digital technology will help us provide the most advanced care for our patients, because a precise diagnosis is the first step toward getting a patient treatment and on the plan to good health.”

She continued, “There are many advantages to a digital system. The images can be clearer and easier to read.  It can offer a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women with all breast tissue types. The image is ready to read within 10 seconds.  There is no longer the wait for films to be developed to be sure the images are usable. The digital mammogram takes as little as half the time of a film mammogram. If a second opinion is needed, the image can be sent electronically to a second doctor and can then be printed on film for review.”

Nyack Hospital’s GE Senographe 2000D is equipped with computer aided detection (CAD) software, which acts as a radiologist’s “second pair of eyes” when reading a mammogram.  Similar to a spellchecker system on a personal computer, this technology has the potential to detect findings that might otherwise be overlooked during the review process, thus increasing cancer detection. CAD technology also is especially effective in identifying calcifications, some of which can be cancerous.

To schedule your mammogram, please call 845.348.8551.

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY.  Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.nyackhospital.org.