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DMIST study showed that digital mammography was significantly
better that film mammography in screening women who were under
age 50, or women of any age who had very dense breasts. The
latest technology captures
for up to 30% more abnormalities. Up to two years before a
self breast exam or physical breast exam can catch
abnormalities. Death rates from breast cancer have been
declining since 1990, and these decreases are believed to be
the result, in large part, to earlier detection and improved
treatment.
Digital mammography offers other advantages over film,
including improved ease of image access, transmission,
retrieval and storage, and lower average radiation dose
without a compromise in diagnostic accuracy. In addition,
digital mammograms are less likely than film mammograms to be
lost.
Studies have shown that 65% of women would benefit from the
use of digital mammography over the tradition film screen
mammography (see DMIST). These women
are;
- under age 50 (regardless of level of
breast tissue density)
- of any age, with heterogeneously
(very dense) or extremely dense breast tissue.
- or pre or perimenopausal women of any
age (defined as women who had a last menstrual period within
12 months of their mammograms).
Yet at present, only 8 percent of the mammography units in the
United States have digital systems. Diagnostic Outpatient
Imaging is one of these diagnostic imaging clinics that offers
digital mammography. Call 881-1900 for more details. |
