Wilcox Health launches newest 3D mammography technology

LIHUE, Hawaii (November 07, 2012)—The latest breast cancer detection technology is now available at Wilcox Memorial Hospital.

Breast tomosynthesis, also called 3D mammography, is a new type of mammogram that produces a three dimensional image of the breast and improves cancer screening and detection. In operation at the hospital since August, it provides a clearer, more accurate view of the breast and allows doctors to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities.

With breast tomosynthesis, radiologists can manipulate the images to see areas of concern from all angles. This can lead to better detection; fewer false positives, call backs, unnecessary biopsies or additional tests; and greater peace of mind. “With 3D mammography,” said Dr. Mackiernan, “Doctors are currently experiencing increases in breast cancer detection and reduced patient call back rates.”

In fact, to date three confirmed cancers have been diagnosed using the new technology – cancers that likely would have gone undetected until much later.

Conventional 2D mammography produces a single, flattened image of the breast, making it difficult for doctors to detect small cancers. Breast tomosynthesis minimizes the impact of overlapping breast tissue during imaging because the camera moves over the breast taking images from multiple angles. These images are combined to create a three dimensional rendering of the entire breast. At this time, breast tomosynthesis is performed along with a standard mammogram on the same scanner.

“At Wilcox, we recognize the importance of early detection. Over two-hundred thousand new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the US every year and early detection and treatment offer a better chance of survival than ever before.” said Kathy Clark, President & CEO of Wilcox Memorial Hospital, “that is why we are so proud to bring the first 3D mammography machine to the island of Kauai.”

Additionally, Wilcox Health offers a High Risk Breast Program (HRBP) in which the
3D mammography is just one of the many services available. The HRBP is a comprehensive program designed to provide services for the prevention and early detection of breast cancer for women who are at an increased risk for development of the disease. A multifaceted approach includes radiological services, physician and nursing services, genetic counseling and testing, nutritional counseling, psychological services, patient education and support services, and access to research and clinical trials – all in one convenient location.

Criteria for Qualification in the HRBP
An initial assessment will be completed to determine whether or not a woman qualifies to be part of the High Risk Breast Program.

Women who would qualify for the program includes those with one or more of the following:

A first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer
Second degree relatives with breast cancer
Any personal history or family history of ovarian cancer
A diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia on a previous breast biopsy
A diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ on a previous breast biopsy

Services Provided
The following are some of the services available to women in the High Risk Breast Program.

Detailed history and physical exam
Breast cancer risk assessment
Breast imaging
Genetic counseling and testing
Chemoprevention
Clinical trial enrollment
Nutritional counseling
Education on risk reduction and prevention/early detection methods
Psychosocial support services

About Wilcox Health
Wilcox Health is comprised of Kaua‘i Medical Clinic and Wilcox Memorial Hospital, and is an affiliate of Hawaii Pacific Health, the state’s largest health care provider.
Founded in 1938, Wilcox Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit hospital dedicated to providing the Kaua‘i community with affordable and accessible health care. Wilcox Memorial is the largest medical facility on Kaua‘i and has been recognized as one of the nation’s best small hospitals. It offers island residents and visitors 22 specialties with more than 170 physicians on staff. It is an acute care facility with a full suite of services from emergency, OB/GYN and pediatrics to cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, pulmonology, nephrology, cosmetic surgery, internal medicine, family practice, and women’s services. There are 71 beds, including seven intensive care beds, five birthing suites, 20 same-day surgery beds and a 20-bed emergency department. The hospital is equipped with MRI and CT scanners and a state-of-the-art surgical center with six surgical suites. In 2009, the American Heart Association recognized Wilcox Memorial in three areas of excellence: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – gold award, Stroke (S) – gold award, and Heart Failure (HF) – silver award.
In partnership with Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic provides primary and secondary care to residents and visitors, with 90 physicians and mid-level providers offering 26 medical specialties at four locations on Kaua‘i. It is the island’s only multi-specialty medical group and one of Hawai‘i’s largest and most comprehensive medical practices.
Learn more at: HYPERLINK “http://www.wilxcoxhealth.org” www.wilxcoxhealth.org.