Media Contact Cathy Hamilton for Oregon Imaging Centers 541-914-4748
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NEWS RELEASE September 14, 2015
Oregon Imaging Centers Becomes First in Area to Offer 3D Mammography Detection Improved by 41% and False Positives Reduced by 40%
Eugene/Springfield, OR – 3D mammography is widely considered to be the greatest breakthrough in breast cancer detection in the last 30 years – since the development of mammography itself – and now, Oregon Imaging Centers is the first and only medical facility in the Eugene-Springfield area to offer this service. The imaging center considers the investment in 3D mammography equipment an important step in the effort to boost survivor rates locally. “The single thing that will improve breast cancer survivor rates is to detect asymptomatic, small cancers before they have metastasized. 3D mammography does that and will save more lives. Bringing the equipment to Lane County was essential,” says Dr. Jonathan Sims. The 3D imaging procedure is similar to traditional mammography, with some women reporting feeling less pressure or discomfort. But the resulting imagery is quite different: Instead of a single image that includes overlapping tissue, 3D produces multiple images of the entire breast. This allows the radiologist to see through layers of tissue and examine areas of concern from multiple angles. With 3D, an anomaly – which in the past would have required a woman to return for additional imaging – can be immediately identified as an area of normal, overlapping tissue. But if a tumor is detected, the radiologist can determine if it is contact with a mammary gland and can measure the depth of microcalcification. “In the past, we could see there was anomaly, but we couldn’t get the details we needed without further imaging or even a biopsy. 3D lets us look through and around structures in the breast,” explains Dr. Sims. Since the technology debuted at a commercial level, eight million women have used 3D technology. The result has been a 40% reduction in false positives and a 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers among women receiving 3D imaging. The physicians and technologists have been watching the development of the 3D technology for several years, looking forward to the point when the technology would be finely honed and pricing would put the equipment within reach. The group purchased three Hologic “Genius” machines and they have been installed at the University District clinic and the Breast & MRI Center on the RiverBend campus. Scheduling for 3D exams is now underway. 541-687-7134 Main | Scheduling University District | RiverBend Pavilion | Breast & MRI Center at RiverBend • www.oregonimaging.com
“Besides the direct health benefits of 3D, we’re excited about the difference it will make for our patients’ wellbeing,” says Patient Navigator Cindy Davis. “There will be fewer callbacks and biopsies. Having more information upfront, just from the initial screening, will allow us to support the patient with more ‘knowns.’ Whenever we can eliminate unnecessary ‘what ifs’ the patient is better off.” The use of 3D does not change the recommendation that all women over 40 have an annual mammogram. A referral from a primary care provider is not required, but insurance coverage for 3D mammography varies by provider. As with any procedure, patients should check their insurance coverage. Regulations require insurance providers to cover an annual breast screening for women 40 and up, and the 3D is indeed a screening, but definitions vary by provider and plan. Women are legally entitled to select their provider for mammography. Patients can schedule a mammogram by requesting an appointment online at oregonimaging.com/schedulemy3d or calling 541-334-7555. More information about 3D mammography is available at oregonimaging.com or mygenius3d.com. Oregon Imaging Centers is a locally owned medical imaging provider with three clinics in Eugene and Springfield. Its highly specialized radiologists are supported by an expert and compassionate team of technologists and patient care specialists. Services include mammography, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-Ray, DXA and nuclear imaging including Fluoroscopy and PET. For more information about Oregon Imaging Centers visit oregonimaging.com or call 541-687-7134.
541-687-7134 Main | Scheduling University District | RiverBend Pavilion | Breast & MRI Center at RiverBend • www.oregonimaging.com
