FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2004
CONTACT: Joyce Faria Brennan
Media Relations
Southcoast Health System
Phone: 508-961-5270
Fax: 508-961-5876
Pgr: 508-387-9605
brennanj@southcoast.org
www.southcoast.org/news/releases/
Southcoast’s new mammography technology aids early detection
Computer-Aided Detection system provides a “second check” on all mammograms
performed at any Southcoast site
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals’ mammography sites are the first in
the South Coast region to install new, computerized technology that helps the radiologists’
to detect breast cancer at a very early stage.
The Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system functions as an additional
mammography reading by digitizing a mammography exam and pinpointing suspicious areas
that might require additional testing. Studies have shown the CAD system can increase
detection of very early stage breast cancers by as much as 23 percent.
Southcoast’s highly trained radiologists interpret all mammograms and CAD
readings. They are board certified in Radiology and are required by the American College of
Radiology, Department of Public Health and the Mammography Quality Standards Act to
maintain continuing education and experience in the field of mammography.
“We’re very excited to offer the women of the South Coast region the very latest in
diagnostic breast health technology,” said Christine LoPiano, Mammography Manager for
Southcoast Hospitals Group. “The new CAD system is literally a ‘second check’ for all
mammograms performed at Southcoast — ultimately leading to greater peace of mind for
women.”
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Southcoast’s New Mammography Technology Aids Early Detection
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February 23, 2004
How does the CAD System work?
The CAD system works seamlessly with the current mammographic technology so
there is no need of additional testing. The CAD unit consists of three main parts: the scanner,
software and viewer. The computer-aided technology scans the mammogram and picks up
possible masses or microcalcifications (calcium deposits) that may have been overlooked
using traditional methods.
“The new technology helps the radiologist read mammograms and identifies
suspicious areas on the mammogram typically associated with malignancy. It highlights areas
in a mammogram that may need to be more closely monitored and may help detect more
abnormalities in their earlier stages. Although most areas identified by CAD do not represent
cancer, they do represent areas that are important and may need further monitoring by our
highly trained and experienced radiologists,” LoPiano said.
Experience means peace of mind
Southcoast radiologists are highly experienced, interpreting more than 40,000
mammograms annually. Southcoast’s breast imaging equipment has been or is in the process
of being upgraded across all the sites to produce the most highly detailed images available
today. This means radiologists get the clearest pictures possible, which can lead to better
diagnosis and treatment.
Southcoast offers comprehensive and coordinated breast health services at eight
locations throughout the region and is the largest mammography provider in Southeastern
Massachusetts. In addition to screening and diagnostic mammograms, Southcoast offers
breast ultrasounds as well as stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies.
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Southcoast’s New Mammography Technology Aids Early Detection
Page 3 of 4
February 23, 2004
Southcoast Hospitals Group Radiology Service Locations:
Fall River
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Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Avenue
Narragansett Mills, 1565 North Main Street, Suite 504
235 Hanover Street, Suite 107
Truesdale Clinic, 1030 President Avenue
New Bedford
 St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street
North Dartmouth
 Southcoast Center for Women's Health, 300 B Faunce Corner Road
Portsmouth, R.I.
 Linden Tree Family Health Center, 2444 East Main Road
Wareham
 Tobey Hospital, 43 High Street
Southcoast Breast Health Services Support
“Medical technology is constantly evolving, and Southcoast is committed to
providing its patients with the latest advancements that can help them live longer and
healthier,” said Kerry G. Bennett, MD, MPH, FACS, a surgeon on staff at St. Luke’s
Hospital. “At the same time, it is very important to provide reassurance and support to our
patients while we deliver high-tech services.”
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Southcoast’s New Mammography Technology Aids Early Detection
Page 4 of 4
February 23, 2004
Sometimes results of screening mammograms suggest the need for further testing.
Southcoast uses ultrasound to help determine if a potential problem is a fluid-filled cyst,
which is usually benign, or a tumor that needs biopsy. When a biopsy is suggested,
Southcoast is capable of providing ultrasound-guided biopsies performed by the radiologist,
or arrange for any needed additional procedures or referrals.
For more information about Southcoast Hospitals’ breast health services, visit
www.southcoast.org/breast/.
About Southcoast
Southcoast Health System, a not-for-profit charitable organization, is a community
based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of
health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and East Bay, Rhode Island. It
includes Southcoast Hospitals Group, formed in 1996 from the merger of Charlton Memorial
Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast is one of three community hospitals approved by the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health to perform open heart surgery and elective coronary
angioplasty. For more information visit www.southcoast.org.
# # #
Picture Attached: Michelle C. Archer, RTR(M), Operations Coordinator for Mammography
Services at the Fall River and Portsmouth, RI Southcoast radiology locations, calls up a
mammogram on the new computer-aided detection system. Southcoast Hospitals’
mammography sites are the first in the South Coast region to install new, computerized
technology that increases the radiologists’ ability to detect breast cancer at a very early
stage.