December 1, 2009 — Cibola General Hospital is pleased to announce the arrival of digital mammography. Considered the gold standard in the detection of breast cancer, the arrival of this new technology has been a highly anticipated event since being identified as a strategic goal earlier this year.

On Friday, December 4 from 3 to 5 p.m., the CGH Radiology Department will host a community open house to provide information about the benefits of digital mammography, tour the facility and get a first look at the new state-of-the-art mammography equipment. Refreshments, giveaways, and door prizes will be provided. Whispering Pines Therapeutic Massage will be on-site to provide chair massages to guests.

As Director of Radiology Teri Smith, RT (R, CT) explains, “Our new Hologic Selenia full-field direct digital mammography equipment is the best available at this time, and allows for system enhancements as technology continues to evolve.” She adds, “With the new equipment we have direct capture of the images recorded on a computer making the quality far better than the film screen type which takes photographic films.”

Smith assures that film-based images were fine and worked well, but a digital image has the capability to bring out more detail thanks to computer aided detection software, and the mammography workstation. The other advantage of digital imaging is that it permits immediate, secure online transmission and interpretation, enabling more timely consultation between providers.

“We are thrilled to offer the most up-to-date breast imaging technology,” states Kenneth Cochran, CEO. “Digital mammography offers more detail, finer resolution and improved image clarification. Cibola County residents no longer have to travel to access the best there is relative to mammography.”

There were several components needed to transition to digital mammography. In addition to the digital mammography machine, Cibola General Hospital needed to purchase a Picture Archiving Communications System, multi-modality read station, digitizer, and dry film imager. The total project cost was approximately $400,000. Cibola County contributed $300,000 towards the equipment costs.

The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and over have an annual mammogram: sooner for women who are high risk due to a family history. Talk to your provider about having a mammogram, or call Cibola General Hospital’s Radiology Services for more information at (505) 287-5250.

For more information about Cibola General Hospital and digital mammography, visit the website at www.cibolahospital.com.