Logan Memorial Hospital Now Offers Digital Mammography

Russellville, KY (October 19, 2009) Logan Memorial is pleased to announce the arrival of digital mammography – an exciting technological advancement for women's breast health.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer within her lifetime. However, the cure rate for localized cancer, caught in its early stages, is high. The 12-year survival rate is 95% for cancers detected when less than 1 cm in size. Early detection also gives women new options for breast conserving surgery. That is why it is so important that women have regular mammograms.

"There are so many advantages for both patients and physicians," said Dr. Todd Talmadge Logan Memorial Hospital's Interventional Radiologist. "Exams only take about 15 minutes instead of half an hour. Our digital platform allows for computer-aided detection which can help the radiologist increase cancer detection rates up to 20 percent. Studies have shown a substantially significant increased cancer detection rate in women 50 and under and women with dense breasts."

Logan Memorial is committed to providing the best screening opportunities for the women of our community. A digital mammogram can catch many irregularities that standard mammograms might miss. In fact it has been shown to be 28% more effective in detecting cancer for women in certain groups: those 50 and younger; and those considered difficult to image.

A digital mammogram uses computers and digital sensors to create an enhanced image of the breast. The image is then displayed on high resolution monitors and stored digitally. The benefits of this technology include:

• Accuracy - High resolution images are sharper than traditional images, making signs of early cancer easier to spot - and more treatable. These computerized images can be manipulated by the radiologist to obtain a clearer view of suspicious tissue.
• Speed - Images require no time for film processing and can be viewed in just seconds.
• Reduced Exposure - The need for retakes due to under or over exposure is significantly lower, reducing overall exposure to x-rays.
• Ease of Transfer - Because the image is captured digitally, it can be duplicated and transferred without any loss of data.
• Comfort - Although breast compression is still required, imaging can be accomplished in half the time, thereby minimizing patient discomfort.

As a promotion for this new service, Logan Memorial Hospital donated $5.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every person having a digital mammogram in 2009. We are pleased to announce that nearly $2,000 has been donated. Call us today at 270-726-1267 to schedule your appointment. A physician's order is required.