Last February the Henry County Hospital Foundation announced it would raise
funds for the purchase of Digital Mammography equipment. Since that time,
they have raised over $66,000 and the Henry County Hospital Auxiliary
has pledged an additional $50,000 to help purchase this expensive, yet
needed equipment. Less than one year later, Digital Mammography is successfully
in use at Henry County Hospital.
Thirty years ago if you were asked to write down the names of three people
who were affected by breast cancer, you might have been hard-pressed to
come up with a trio of names. Now, however, most people can come up with
three family members or close friends in less than five seconds.
One in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and
breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. Early detection
is crucial and a mammogram is the standard procedure for identifying suspicious
spots that might need further testing.
Digital Mammography uses traditional X-ray generators and tubes to produce
an X-ray beam. The beam is converted into digital information that can
be stored electronically, transmitted, displayed, analyzed and manipulated
in a number of different ways. The digital mammography system selected
by Henry County Hospital delivers:
•The best image quality in the industry that allows for the visualization
of subtle changes in the breast tissue improving the detection of breast
cancer at its earliest stages
•Optimal resolution
•Low patient dose of radiation without compromising image quality
•Flex compression technology improves patient comfort
A recent study by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN)
showed that digital mammography improved breast cancer detection, especially
in the following classifications of women:
•Under the age of 50 (no matter what level of breast density they have)
•Any age with heterogeneous (very dense) breasts
•Pre– or Peri-menopausal women of any age (women who had their
last menstrual period within 12 months of their mammogram)
At Henry County Hospital a radiologist and group of technologists, with
over 137 years of combined experience in mammography, provide patients
excellent imaging education and compassionate care. For more information
on breast cancer and mammography please consult with your physician. To
schedule an appointment or to learn more about the digital mammography
system in use at Henry County Hospital contact Medical Imaging Services
at 419-591-3830.