Bonner General to offer digital mammography

Before I moved to Sandpoint, I spent several years in Dallas, Texas, with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that raises money to fund breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is very personal to me, because although I’ve never battled this disease, I’ve made many friends along the way who have. Some have been successful in their fight and others have not, but all of them have consistently demonstrated a level of courage and strength of character that defies description.

One of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early-and thereby increase the likelihood for successful treatment-is through routine annual mammograms.

As of mid-August, Bonner General Hospital will expand its wellness services to include state-of-the-art digital mammography services for women.

Women who undergo mammograms at the hospital will now have the very latest diagnostic technology available to them right here at home.

Why digital?

Digital mammography differs from conventional mammography in how the images of the breast are viewed and more importantly, how they are manipulated.

With digital mammography, the radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that visualize the structures within the breast tissue more clearly.

Digital technology also enables the radiologist to magnify the breast images and zero in on suspicious or concerning areas that may be signs of early breast cancer.

From a patient perspective, digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening, although it offers a number of practical conveniences over film-based mammography.

Because digital mammography is “filmless,” nothing has to be developed so the procedure is expedited.

And because digital mammography takes less than half the time of traditional film-based exams, it reduces the need for repeat images due to under or over exposure of the film.

This is a truly exciting time at Bonner General Hospital as we prepare to offer a service that is in such high demand by the women in our community.

We are committed to always providing the very best in patient care and services, and the addition of digital mammography services is a reflection of that commitment.

Digital mammography services will be available at Bonner General Hospital beginning Aug. 11. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the hospital’s digital imaging department at 265-1142.

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.