Healthcare workers and patients had the opportunity to view live demonstrations and learn how this 3D technology aids with early detection of breast cancer
Women make up just over half the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census, and more than 80 million women are above the age of 40, equaling to millions of mammograms performed every year. Mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs and other imaging services are crucial for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and other breast problems, and having the best equipment helps increase accuracy and makes for a smoother process for both the patient and radiologist.
To showcase and provide demonstrations of the newest equipment and models, Hologic — a global medical technology company with products focused on early detection — visited South Texas Health System McAllen on Wednesday, January 26.
Physicians, mammo techs, radiologists and other healthcare professionals — within STHS and from other local practices — were welcomed into the Hologic Tour Bus to get a firsthand look at how these devices can be incorporated into their facilities for an improved patient experience.
“Women’s services are a huge part of healthcare and while patients don’t usually look forward to coming in for their annual screenings and exams, it’s important that we as healthcare providers work to give them the best possible experience,” STHS McAllen Radiology Director Charlie Aguirre said. “This helps ensure they don’t delay these vital services. And one way we do this is by equipping our facilities with the most advanced technologies that improve accuracy, as well as a patient’s comfort.”
Patients and the public were also invited to tour and learn about the technology and exactly what to expect on their next breast health visit. The 3D mammography system — already in use throughout STHS facilities — records a scan in only 3.7 seconds, allowing for minimal radiation exposure and discomfort.
“In many cases, a women’s challenge when she comes to the exam is just the anxiety of being under compression and the pain she’s experiencing,” Hologic Account Executive Felix Gutierrez explained. “So, with a 3.7 second scan, what that allows is for her to be under compression for just a short amount of time.
“At the same time, motion is the enemy of image quality. If there’s a lot of motion, the radiologist isn’t going to have a very good image. So, at 3.7 seconds, that’s very minimal motion and that allows us to produce the best image on the market.”
STHS McAllen is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the America College of Radiology. For more information on the imaging services at South Texas Health System, visit STHS Edinburg or STHS McAllen.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
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