CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER
New 3D mammography system benefits local patients
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ith support from the Crete Area Health Care Foundation and its many loyal donors, Crete area patients are receiving 3D mammography near home. COVID-19 restrictions limiting vendors to the Crete Area Medical Center delayed installation at first, but the equipment has been in use for screening and testing since July. This advanced imagery procedure is touted for providing better detection and accuracy than its predecessors. “We are so fortunate to be able to bring this level of technology here, particularly for patients with a higher risk of breast cancer who in the past may have traveled to larger communities multiple times for 3D mammograms,” says Crete Area Medical Center CEO Stephanie Boldt. “This allows us to continue to advance
Radiologic technologists Connie Schnuelle and Nancy Grimaldo demonstrate the new Hologic 3Dimensions mammography imaging system at CAMC. the health of our communities through collaboration and prevention.” The Hologic 3Dimensions combines multiple X-rays to create a threedimensional picture of the breast with minimal overlapping of breast tissue, which can lead to earlier diagnosis. Its images provide better detection in dense breast tissue that can hide some small tumors, and improved accuracy when diagnosing abnormalities, says radiology manager Cathie Boyle. “That, in turn, reduces the number of unnecessary callbacks. Plus, it’s more comfortable for patients,” she explains. “It has a curved compression paddle that mirrors the shape of the breast to provide even compression, and its fast scan times
28 Winter 2020
