A patient at Jersey Community Hospital looks on as Registered Radiologic Technologist Shae Sams (right) reviews the digital films.

Digital mammography now available at JCH
Staff Report
Jersey Community Hospital is pleased to announce that the latest in digital mammography technology is now available at the JCH Radiology Department.

With the installation of Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) system, developed by FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc.

“Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Dr. John Zabrowski, MD., Chief Radiologist at Jersey Community Hospital. “And according to a recent landmark study, digital mammography offers significant benefits to certain groups of women. We’re proud to be able to provide the-- Tri-County area-women with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable.”

Digital mammography, a mammogram that uses new detection technologies and computers instead of film, was found in a landmark clinical study of more than 42,000 women to be better than film-screen mammography in detecting breast cancer in three groups: women under 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause, and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts.

From the patient’s perspective, the procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; however, since the images are available almost immediately and no film development time is necessary, the wait time for the patient is less. Because of the unique design of Fuji’s digital mammography solution, Jersey Community Hospital is able to ensure that every woman scheduled for breast screening receives a digital mammogram.

“The benefits we are experiencing with Fuji’s digital mammography are not only allowing us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently but, more importantly, they are enabling us to provide the top level of care for our breast imaging patients,” said Shae Sams, Registered Radiologic Technologist at Jersey Community Hospital. “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world.”

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74. In Illinois, 2,000 women are expected to die from breast cancer this year. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. A breast exam by a doctor should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for women 40 and above.