ProHealth Care First in Wisconsin to Offer New 3D Mammography

Technology Helps Detect Breast Cancer at Earliest Stages 

WAUKESHA, Wis., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ProHealth Care announced today that it is the first health care system in Wisconsin to offer a new three-dimensional mammography that represents a revolutionary advancement in the ability to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120417/DC88559 )

"This is the most significant advancement in breast imaging since the beginning of mammography," said Jennifer Bergin, M.D., ProHealth Care's medical director of breast imaging. "It will help us find cancers earlier, which will mean better outcomes and a higher survival rate for our patients."

The technology, called tomosynthesis, uses specialized computing to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or "slices," to build a 3D graphic image. During the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over the breast, taking multiple images in only seconds. A computer then produces a 3D image of the patient's breast tissue in one-millimeter layers.

The 3D mammography gives radiologists the ability to see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible. Instead of viewing all the complexities of the breast tissue in a flat image, the doctor can examine the tissue one millimeter at a time, like flipping through the pages of a book. Fine details are more clearly visible, no longer hidden by the tissue above and below.

The Center for Breast Care at Waukesha Memorial Hospital is the first ProHealth Care location with the tomosynthesis technology. ProHealth Care has long been a leader in breast health services offering all-digital mammography, a multidisciplinary team approach and immediate results for most appointments.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tomosynthesis may be able to find up to 20 percent more cancers than conventional mammography. With 3D mammography, radiologists have the ability to detect and diagnose the smallest cancers, as well as rule out abnormalities that may have looked suspicious in a traditional 2D mammogram. This will reduce the need for women to be called back for additional imaging or biopsies.

"In cancer and other areas of care, we work very hard to make sure our patients benefit from the latest medical technologies," said John Robertstad, president of ProHealth's hospital division. "Tomosynthesis is the latest example of that."

The new technology is especially significant for those with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer as well as for breast cancer survivors, who are at risk for recurrence.

Judy Pittenger of Richfield is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. Pittenger recently had a 3D mammogram at Waukesha Memorial and was amazed to see the improved detail in the images. "Knowing that the data is more conclusive, and that physicians can see things that are very small, gave me such peace of mind," she said. "I was ecstatic."

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. The stage at which breast cancer is detected greatly influences a woman's chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. 

Funding for the new 3D mammography at ProHealth Care was provided in part by the RiverWalk for Cancer, which supports cancer research, education, and state-of-the-art technology at ProHealth Care's Center for Breast Care. ProHealth's Walks for Cancer will be held May 5 in Waukesha, Mukwonago and Oconomowoc.

For more information about 3D mammography, call the Waukesha Memorial Center for Breast Care at 262-928-6789 or visit www.prohealthcare.org/breasthealth. To schedule a mammogram, call 262-928-3000.

For nearly 100 years, ProHealth Care has provided world-class care close to home in Waukesha County and surrounding communities. ProHealth is one of the most technically and clinically advanced community-based health systems in the nation, with noted physicians, award-winning programs and an active Research Institute.  The organization's integrated network includes Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin, ProHealth Care Medical Associates, ProHealth Home Care and Hospice, West Wood Health & Fitness Center and senior living facilities.  More information is available at www.prohealthcare.org.

Media Contact:
Sandra Peterson
262-928-4997 (office)
414-557-2754 (pager)

SOURCE ProHealth Care