CHI - St. Anthony

Focusing on Mammograms take on a whole new dimension at CHI St. Anthony Hospital. At CHI St. Anthony Hospital Diagnostic Imaging, 3-D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is the new standard for breast imaging. Whereas traditional mammograms only take one picture from each angle, 3-D mammograms capture hundreds of images for a deeper look. Structures that wouldn't be visible on a traditional mammogram due to dense breast tissue can be found using 3-D technology to scan through layers of images. And, if an abnormal structure is found, 3-D mammograms make biopsies easier because doctors know exactly where to look. If you've had a traditional mammogram before, 3-D mammography will seem familiar. The procedure feels the same and takes about the same amount of time. But behind the scenes, things are dramatically different. "Our goal is to make sure patients are comfortable and informed, and that we get the best possible images," says Jamie Levy, RT(R)(CT ), Diagnostic Imaging Manager at CHI St. Anthony Hospital. "Imaging technologists give patients a thorough explanation of the process, and we put something called a Bella Blanket® on the machine to make it more comfortable." REAPING THE BENEFITS According to Jamie, the more accurate images captured by 3-D mammography reduce unnecessary callback appointments by 40 percent. This type of screening also catches approximately 41 percent more cases of small, invasive cancers. Those cancers can be hard to spot with a traditional mammogram and frequently require follow-up testing. "Breast cancer is scary, and we don't want women to have any unfounded reason to worry," Jamie says. "With 3-D mammography, we can avoid asking more women to come in for follow-up images. That gives our patients peace of mind." Speak with your doctor about when to begin screening mammograms. Don't have a primary care doctor? To find one near you, visit sahpendleton.org and select "Meet Our Providers." "We're proud to offer 3-D mammography to our community. Providing these services at home, so people don't have to travel elsewhere, is important to us." —JAMIE LEVY, RT(R)(CT), DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING MANAGER, CHI ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL What Matters Most CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES /// sahpendleton.org 2 3-D mammography at CHI St. Anthony Hospital is possible thanks to the support of the CHI St. Anthony-Pendleton Foundation. The Foundation helps raise funds and awareness to improve the level of care available at the hospital. Call 541-966-0528 to learn how to get involved.

• Cover