Roper St. Francis Now Offers Digital Mammography

New Technology Provides Clearest Images Available

Roper St. Francis Healthcare is pleased to offer new state of the art digital mammography at its Farmfield Mammography Center located West Ashley.  This new technology, the most modern mammography equipment available today, offers enhanced image quality, clear, highly detailed images of the breast, and increased patient comfort.   

The system is the first of two GE digital units to be placed at the Farmfield Center.  In Spring 2006, Roper St. Francis Healthcare will offer digital mammography to patients at its Mount Pleasant Medical Center on Longpoint Road.

“This new digital technology represents a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer,” said Amy Bethea, M.D., a board-certified Diagnostic Radiologist with Roper St. Francis Healthcare.  “Patients receive state-of-the-art mammograms that are faster, easier and more comfortable than ever before, while physicians are provided with highly detailed images to use in diagnosis and treatment.” 

Dr. Bethea explained that patient benefits include:

• An average exam can be reduced from 30 or more minutes to just 10 to 15 minutes
• Paddles are specially designed to conform to the breast, optimizing comfort and access to areas such as under the arm
• Allows ease of access for people in wheelchairs

“Digital capability means that image quality can be checked within seconds,” said Dr. Bethea.  “This translates into less waiting time for the patient.  Physicians are meanwhile provided with better visibility of the breast, particularly near the skin line, the chest wall, and in women with dense breast tissue.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women.  However, the earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to cure.  The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 or older have a mammogram once a year.  Roper St. Francis offers mammograms at five convenient locations.  To schedule a mammogram, call 843-402-5000.

At Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, patients are offered a comprehensive team approach, including state-of-the-art technology and equipment for diagnosis and treatment, participation in ongoing clinical trials and access to a wide range of cancer-related education and support services.

Roper St. Francis Cancer Center was recently awarded the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons’ highest honor – Accreditation with Commendation.  The 3-year accreditation is bestowed on only the finest programs in the country with just 25 percent of hospitals in receipt.

For more information on Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, call 843-402-CARE (2273).