In a major step for detecting breast cancer sooner, and thus achieving a cure more quickly,
This summer, Mercy unveiled a 3-D mammography machine, which allows health experts to analyze breast tissue from any angle, making it easier to see small details that could expose cancers.
The equipment is a major upgrade from the hospital’s older technology, which allowed only a two-dimensional view of breast tissue scans.
“This technology is quickly becoming the new standard in the health care system for detecting breast cancer,” said Shawn Putman, director of imaging and cardiovascular services at Mercy.
The new mammography machine, Putman said, is capable of finding 30 to 40 percent more cancers than the older model. For a disease where early detection results in a five-year survival rate of 100 percent, that’s significant.
“If you can detect a cancer earlier, there’s a better chance for curing it,” said Mercy radiologist Jay Johnson. “And the 3-D mammography let’s me do that.”
The new technology’s benefits are manifold: By allowing for more accurate scanning, patients also don’t have to deal with the anxiety of return visits and the uncertainty of a diagnosis.
“Their mindset if they are asked to come back is: I have cancer,” Putman said. “This allows us to greatly decrease the amount of women we have to bring back.”
Now, if a 3-D scan reveals what looks like breast cancer, health officials can perform an ultrasound, which is good for targeting the area of concern.
Then, medical professionals can use the ultrasound to guide a needle that takes a tissue sample, which will confirm the type of breast cancer and help doctors determine what course of treatment – surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc. – would be best.
The new machine is primarily used for screening, Johnson said, which is recommended annually for women older than 40.
Since the technology has been up and running, Johnson said the center has screened about 25 to 30 patients a day. He said screening at Mercy falls in line with the national average: About 5 patients per every 1,000 screened show positive signs of breast cancer.
And Mercy is the only Southwest Colorado hospital to provide 3-D screening, Putman said, with the next closest location being San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington.
“We don’t want residents in our community to have to leave the area to get health care,” Putman said.
The $420,000 machine was entirely funded by the Mercy Health Foundation, which takes in donations from the community.
As a result, Putman said Mercy does not have to impose a $40 surcharge – which is not covered by some insurance companies – for the screenings, which cost $220 (covered by most insurers).
For those who qualify, the Journey of Hope program can cover the entire financial cost of a screening. A major fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and care program is the 5K run/walk in October.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
Journey of Hope
The Journey of Hope 5K Family Run/Walk will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 1 at Mercy Regional Medical Center, 1010 Three Springs Blvd. Registration is $25, children 12 and younger can register for free. All proceeds support a fund administered by the Mercy Health Foundation that provides free mammograms to women who cannot afford them.
To register or for more information, call 764-2800 or visit www.mhffnd.org.
