Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Newnan Hospital mounts a better defense against breast cancer

Have you ever met a woman who looked forward to her annual mammogram? If you have, she is probably a breast cancer survivor or loves someone who is.

Breast cancer is one of the top cancer killers of American women today. And the mammogram is one of the best defenses.

Newnan Hospital has recently invested in new state-of-the-art mammography units at both of its campuses to provide the highest quality service available to its patients.

"It's called the LORAD M-IV Platinum," explained Don Character, head of radiology at Newnan Hospital East. "The bottom line is that it provides us with the highest quality image possible with much better detail than the older technology."

The high quality of the image results from two technological improvements employed jointly. A consistent, high-contrast image is provided by an innovative, low dose, radiation grid technology that allows more uniform transmission through the breast tissue. And of course, a higher quality image is the first step to a more accurate diagnosis.

The second innovation is called the F.A.S.T. Paddle, which controls the compression process, and it is an improvement women may notice first hand. It provides better imaging through more uniform compression regardless of breast size or shape. Because of the F.A.S.T. Paddle's adaptability to a woman's form, it also reduces inadvertent motion during the mammogram and it prevents uncomfortable over-compression.

"Of course, the compression is the part that no woman looks forward to, but at least the flexibility of this unit helps, and most importantly the image it takes will be the very best possible," Character said. "In addition to the best equipment, our technicians are of course, highly trained. And our advantage in scheduling allows us to see a patient with only a two or three day wait."

The mammogram image can detect lumps that are too small or too deep to find through regular monthly self-exams, and early detection is important to successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over 40 perform regular monthly self-exams and receive an annual clinical examination and mammogram.

Founded in 1925, Newnan Hospital is a JCAHO licensed, private, nonprofit facility offering the highest quality professional care with the latest in medical technology. In addition to the Newnan Hospital East and Newnan Hospital West campuses, other facilities in The Newnan Hospital Family include a Health and Fitness Center, Beaulieu Convalescent Center, Wound Treatment Center, Sleep Center, Summit Healthplex, and The Wesley Woods Retirement Center.