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Show New mammography machine at Am. Fork 1 Hospital to aid in better cancer diagnosis Breast cancer claims the lives of dOOO women annually. If cancer is detected early by a simple mammography mam-mography breast x-ray, performed on a regular basis, nearly 10,000 deaths could be averted each year. The new mammography machine l it American Fork Hospital employs J i smaller focal point to provide a more detailed film of breast tissue. "Our new mammography machine has the capacity to focus on a small area of tissue in question, and magnify it to help rule oot cancer in questionable areas," .j explained Eileen Farmer, Radiological Technologist. "In some cases the improved view of the suspicious tissue will save the patient time, stress and money involved in obtaining a biopsy for cancer confirmation. However, a palpable lump may still require a biopsy," she said. The new machine also uses a grid system to plot tiny holes over the area of the film, enabling surgeons to count the dots for a more accurate ac-curate localization of suspicious tissue during surgery. A recent report by ABC World News Tonight claimed that women past 40 who were not receiving regular screenings were part of a "national scandal." "Physicians should make annual mammograms as much a part of a woman's physical as pap .smears are now,".,. Farmer emphasized. Mammogram breast x-rays are used to aid in more accurate detection of b reast lumps, and for confirming lymph gland involvement. in-volvement. Lumps discovered at three-quarters of an inch or 1 ess result in an 85-90 percent cure rate, due to early detection. "A mammogram can detect a mass three years before a woman or physician can detect it palpably," said Farmer. The radiation risk is minimal. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 35-40 should receive a baseline mammogram, mam-mogram, to be compared with annual or biennial exams, from ages 40-49, and annual exams for women ages 50 and up. Women who have.. had cancer or., .who have a family history of cancer should follow their physician's recommendations. recom-mendations. According to ABC World News Tonight, a study indicated that only 11 percent of the nation's physicians followed the American Cancer Society guidelines for examinations. The $75-$100 expense for the exanrv, was cited as a major deterent. ' "At American Fork Hospital we charge a $35 fee if the patient is paying cash for the exam, and a $57 charge for insurance reimbursements," reim-bursements," said Farmer. Breast cancer is the m ost common malignancy in American women, striking one out of every 11. It is also the leading cause of death in the 35-54 year age group. j Regularly . scheduled mam- . mograms not only provide' early : detection and treatment, but they I also allow women more time to examine their options for either a lumpectomy or more radical m asectomy. |
