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Latest mammography technology available at Mount St. Mary's Hospital

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Thu, Mar 23rd 2017 04:05 pm

The Breast Care Center of Mount St. Mary's Hospital is now home to the latest technology to detect breast cancer.

Known as 3-D tomosynthesis, this three-dimensional mammography system detects significantly more breast cancer that two-dimensional mammography alone, allowing patients and their doctors to address concerns more quickly. In addition, 3-D mammography is more precise and reduces the need to perform repeat studies by 40 percent.

For many women, this means being spared the emotional, practical and economic toll of additional testing, including biopsies, when cancer can be ruled out during the initial mammogram.

The new system also provides greater accuracy for women across a variety of ages and breast densities. Eight of nine women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Breast cancer risk also increases with age, with two out of three invasive breast cancers found in women over age 55.

"We are pleased to be able to provide this high level of technology to our community," said Dr. Peter Ferin, head of radiology at Mount St. Mary's. "We know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes. Clinical studies have shown that this is a much better way to screen for breast cancer."

To schedule an appointment, call 716-298-2370.

At 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, breast cancer survivor Shelly Ramseyer of Lewiston will be at the Mount St. Mary's Breast Care Center for her 3-D mammogram. Ramseyer's story was told in 2015 when she received a "reminder post card" from Mount St. Mary's for her annual mammogram.

Like many women in their 40s, Ramseyer has a busy schedule. So when she couldn't make the appointment for her regular mammogram, she didn't think much of it. Then, in the mail, came a reminder post card from Mount St. Mary's that she had missed her appointment.

This time, she went and a small lump was found. Though the detection was early - it was "Stage 0" - treatment was needed. She was immediately directed to her primary care physician and a coordinated process began to treat her, including a lumpectomy at Catholic Health's Sister's Hospital.

Now, all is well for Shelly. She considers herself lucky and is grateful for the reminder she received. She said she hopes her story will encourage women who have a mammogram scheduled, or need to make an appointment, not to put it off.

For more information, or to schedule a mammography screening, call the Mount St. Mary's Breast Care Center at 716-298-2370.

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