TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR BREAST HEALTH

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women in the United States. However, if the disease is confined to the breast and diagnosed in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. Regular screening is vitally important. Women in Lake County trust their breast care to South Lake Hospital’s Centre for Women’s Health. Having achieved accreditation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the center provides the same level of care and expertise as large medical centers with a personal touch of a community hospital.

Patients receive a full spectrum of breast cancer screening and diagnostic services when necessary. These include digital screening and diagnostic mammography, as well as stereotactic-guided biopsies, MRI-guided biopsies, and ultrasound-guided biopsies.

“Digital mammography provides clearer images and uses less radiation than film,” says Dr. Darwin Clark, a board-certified radiologist since 1991. “It allows for better manipulation of the images and reveals more pathology.”

Dr. Clark is part of Medical Center Radiology Group in Orlando, which provides radiology services for all of South Lake Hospital. There is always a board-certified radiologist on site during business hours.

“Not all imaging centers are staffed by radiologists, and therefore, the images are funneled to a location off-site,” Dr. Clark explains. “If a patient at Centre for Women’s Health needs additional imaging, we can help streamline the process because there is a radiologist on-site. Another advantage is we can tailor additional testing specifically to a patient’s needs. The combination of quality imaging and highly skilled radiologists helps us obtain the most accurate information to help detect breast cancer so treatment can begin immediately.”

Not all breast imaging centers achieve accreditation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The Centre for Women’s Health met rigorous requirements established by the ACR and earned voluntary accreditation in breast ultrasound and general mammography.

Being proactive could potentially save your life. The Centre for Women’s Health provides patients with a full spectrum of breast cancer imaging by combining state-ofthe-art technology, experienced radiologists, and personalized care.

Please call 352.241.7135 or visit southlakehospital.com.