New Technologies in Breast Cancer Detection

Saving Lives Through Mammograms Just Got a Little Easier

We have all gained a greater appreciation of our health in the past year and a half, as the pandemic has taught us the lesson of not taking good health for granted. Life can be fragile, but with trained professionals and improvements in technology paving the way, there are many advancements for which we can be thankful.

Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Florida, now has remarkable and innovative new technologies that offer improved diagnostic capabilities in mammograms.

Improved Breast Health Diagnostics

Mammograms are often viewed as a necessary nuisance but so vital to the prevention of breast cancer for women. “Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, second only to lung cancer,” says Lisa Nummi, acting CEO for Blake Medical Center. The early detection of breast cancer in women is incredibly important.

“We have the only machine in this area that provides patient-controlled breast compression as well as an actual contrast that can be injected into the patient.” It localizes to any areas of concern or increased blood flow. The same machine can do a stereotactic biopsy of a lesion at the same time. This machine is so sensitive, it can detect even the smallest lesion,” Nummi says. Because this process is less painful, it is a much-improved process, and we hope it improves the frequency with which women have their mammograms done. Catching cancer early reduces costs and chemotherapy. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Who would have thought, even 20 years ago, that we would be able to obtain images so alarmingly accurate that we could detect a minute lesion that may become cancerous?

Blake Medical Center is a 383-bed tertiary hospital providing award-winning care. Blake is a preferred provider with the only Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Burn Center in Manatee County. Services include ER 24/7®, Joint Replacement & Spine Institute, Heart & Vascular Center, Center for Breast Care, Lung Care Center, premier neuroscience services, surgical services, cancer care, rehabilitation, and therapy services.

Beth Hearn Douglas is a writer and marketing communications professional with a passion for communications in the areas of healthcare, senior care and dementia education. With a B.A. in Journalism and a career in marketing for industries such as tourism, hospitality and technology, she has now decided to focus on healthcare and senior care industries.