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Community Makes Digital Mammography
at Southcoast a Reality

In Massachusetts, 134 of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Early detection is the single best way to increase their chances of survival.

Now, thanks to 13 new digital mammography units installed at Southcoast sites, women across the region have easier access to powerful, leadingedge technology that will help doctors detect cancers when they are smaller and more easily treated.

The massive undertaking of converting mammography equipment systemwide — completed last year — makes Southcoast’s Radiology Imaging Services completely digital.

“We didn’t want to bring in the technology at some sites and not others. We wanted to make it available to all of our patients at the same time, so no one would be left behind,” said Peter Guresh, OT/L, Vice President of Allied Health Services. “Thanks to wonderful philanthropic support across the region, we’ve had the resources to make that happen.”

Digital Mammography, the Gold Standard

Digital mammography — described as “the gold standard” in breast imaging by John Lentini, MD, Chair of Radiology at Charlton Memorial Hospital — is important because it lets radiologists “see” tumors better and earlier.

“The two largest long-term studies, including the most recent involving 25,000 patients, demonstrated that digital mammography offers better detection, particularly in women with dense breast tissue,” Dr. Lentini said. “Anything that allows us to detect tumors earlier is valuable. The smaller the cancer, the better the chance of survival.”

“The quality of the image is so much crisper and digital images can be manipulated in ways films cannot,” said Anne Ruggieri, MD, Chair of Radiology at St. Luke’s and Tobey hospitals. “Radiologists can ‘zoom in’ on areas of concern. And because images are immediately available, if another view is needed, a repeat scan can be taken then and there. Appointments are shorter overall, too.”

Quick Results, Full Care Spectrum

“Southcoast is one of the few places where women can access the whole spectrum of breast care, which encompasses breast MRI, stereotactic biopsy and other diagnostic and therapeutic services, close to home,” Dr. Ruggieri said. “With digital imaging, if we detect something, we can let the patient know that day. We can then help her understand what her care plan may look like.”

This personalized, attentive care is important whether or not there is a problem, Dr. Ruggieri said. “Most women don’t have cancer. But it can be anxiety producing to wait for results, so we’re glad to be providing them as efficiently as possible.

“I think women appreciate this commitment to care, a sense of connection with staff and the knowledge that if any issues do arise, we are well-equipped to help as they return for their mammograms year after year.”

Building on Investments in Hardware, Staff

Adding digital mammography to Southcoast’s care spectrum involved new hardware and software, building renovations and adherence to rigorous federal and state regulations. It also required intensive training for more than 50 radiologic technologists and other staff.

The initiative builds on other Southcoast information technology investments. All equipment is compatible with Southcoast’s secure, online picture archiving and communication system (PACS), introduced in 2006. Physicians can view results on their computers. Older mammograms are being loaded onto PACS as well, so radiologists can view sequential mammograms to observe tissue changes over time.

Serving the Community, Winning the Fight

Southcoast’s digital mammography initiative required a $4 million investment. Each of Southcoast’s hospitals launched their own capital campaign to fund it and raised approximately $1.5 million over two years.

“Our community responded with truly inspirational generosity,” said Barbara H. Mulville, CFRE, Senior Vice President of External Affairs. “We are extremely grateful for Southcoast’s many friends.”

Deborah A. Desmarais, CRA, RT, Director of Radiology Imaging Services, said the initiative was timely because community need for state-of-the-art mammography services will only continue to grow. “Baby boomers are entering ages of greatest cancer risk, and Generation X-ers are turning 40 and having their first mammograms,” she explained.

“Everyone knows someone who has, or has had, breast cancer,” Desmarais said. “It affects entire families. So we’re pleased to now offer this lifesaving technology across the region to help win the fight against this far-reaching disease.”

Digital Mammography Available Throughout Southcoast

New digital mammography units that are able to help detect tumors when they are smaller and more easily treated are in place at these Southcoast locations:

• Fall River
  Charlton Memorial Hospital
  Borden Building
  Narragansett Mill
  New Boston Medical Center
  Truesdale Clinic
• New Bedford
  St. Luke’s Hospital
  Greater New Bedford
  Community Health Center
• North Dartmouth
  Center for Women’s Health
• Wareham
  Tobey Hospital

For more information on digital mammography, log on to www.southcoast.org/radiology.

Day of Health for Women

Join us for a Day of Health for Women on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Southcoast Center for Women’s Health, Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth.

Take advantage of free screenings, lectures, complementary therapies and information on a whole range of topics related to women’s health.

For more information, or to make a reservation for the program, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 800-497-1727.