Digital Mammography on Its
Way to Southcoast

You Can Help Make Earlier Detection of Breast Cancer Possible.

Nearly half of all women in the South Coast region do not receive yearly mammograms, according to an ongoing study by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health — even though mammograms are the single most effective method of early detection of breast cancer.

Southcoast Hospitals is hoping to change that while increasing the detectability of breast cancers by bringing digital mammography to its patients.

Digital mammography, which captures images on a computer rather than onto X-ray film, is significantly better in detecting breast cancer in women under age 50, any woman with very dense breasts and those who are pre- or perimenopausal.

“Southcoast provides some of the most advanced mammography technology available,” said Peter Guresh, OT/L, Vice President of Allied Health Services for Southcoast. “But we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to identify breast cancer as early as possible. The earlier the cancer is detected, the more successful treatment is.”

Digital mammography offers superior resolution and the ability to manipulate images, which could make for more accurate detection of breast cancers. It also significantly decreases the time it takes to have a mammogram.

The cost of each unit is $400,000. An additional $100,000 is needed for each unit to fund construction and installation costs.

“We are now working to raise the funds necessary to bring this important technology to our hospitals,” said Barbara H. Mulville, CFRE, Vice President of External Affairs for Southcoast. “We think every woman on the South Coast deserves the best breast health services possible.”