Digital Mammography Enhances Cancer Detection and Treatment

Women Many women are accustomed to taking care of the important people in their lives, especially their families. At Aiken Regional Medical Centers, we're here to take care of you. That's why we brought digital mammography to Women's LifeCare Diagnostic Services -- conveniently located on Aiken Regional's campus.

What Are the Advantages?

Digital mammography is a technology that can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Radiologists can immediately view the resulting sharp, clean digital images on a high-resolution computer monitor, rather than wait for films to develop. They can also zoom in to look more closely at areas of concern.

Lisa Pagani, Director of Radiology

Computer-aided detection (CAD) assists with these readings by automatically identifying image areas that may contain physical characteristics associated with cancer. By flagging areas that may warrant a second review, CAD helps decrease false negative readings.

"Together these advanced screening technologies enhance our ability to serve local women," says Lisa Pagani, Director of Radiology. "Another advantage is that digital mammograms are stored as computer files for easier, quicker transmission than film mammograms." This is important for coordinating care among your doctor and other medical providers, especially if cancer is detected.

What If Cancer Is Detected?

Comprehensive testing and cancer treatment services are available through the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina (CCIC) at Aiken Regional. Here, doctors, nurses, technicians and other staff members work as a team to make you as comfortable as possible while providing advanced treatments.

Carolyn Cook, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator, and Coleen Gracy, RN, radiation oncology nurse

Carolyn Cook, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator (on left), and Coleen Gracy, RN, radiation oncology nurse

From the start, women with abnormal mammograms work with a breast health nurse navigator who guides them through the diagnosis and treatment process. "Once a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, they have a lot of new information to absorb, appointments to coordinate and decisions to make -- all at a very difficult time," says Carolyn Cook, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator at CCIC. "My goal is to help make things as simple as possible so that patients and their families can focus on healing and keeping up with all the other demands in their lives."

Early detection can help save lives. Most women should start getting annual mammograms at age 40, according to the American Cancer Society. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate screening timetable for you, especially if you face a higher-than-average risk for breast cancer.

Don't Wait Any Longer
To schedule a digital mammography appointment at Women's LifeCare Diagnostic Services, call 803-641-5065.

Attention, Ladies!
Support Groups Tailored to Meet Your Needs
Women diagnosed with breast cancer are invited to join Pink Ribbonettes, Look Good ... Feel Better, and other support groups available through Aiken Regional. Click here for more information.