In 2006, more 250,000 U.S. women will
be diagnosed on breast cancer. This deathly disease will take the lives of more
40,000 friends, neighbors, mothers and daughters. These are keeling statistics.
All the same, breast cancer
mortalities are declining. This correct is mostly assigned to the benefits of
annual mammograms that enable physicians to detect cancer at its earliest
arranges, and amended treatment programs that assist patients better care their
cancer.
Both digital and film-based
mammography could identify breast disease in women who may accept no
conspicuous signs of breast cancer. Historically, mammograms have been behaved
applying medical X-ray film. At once, new digital imagery technologies are
coming out that offer a complemental method for early on detecting of breast
cancer.
The arriver of more digital imaging
alternatives occasionally can cause about patients to "wait it out"
until their caregiver installs digital imagery systems. But the advice from
physicians comes out to be drowning: don't wait for the most belated digital
technology. Among the most decisive expressions for a full recuperation is
early detecting, and it is far better to have any kind of mammogram than to
delay or skip a mammogram entirely. The decisiveness on which imaging
technology to use ought be a inferior issue that patients can discourse with
their physicians.
"Digital technologies show great
promise in helping to detect breast cancer in certain patients," said Dr.
John M. Lewin, Diversified Radiology of Colorado, a leader in providing
technologically advanced radiology imaging. "In fact, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is considering relaxing guidelines that may make it easier
for manufacturers of digital mammography systems to bring new products to
market faster."
Should the FDA adopt revised
guidelines, it is possible that health care providers and patients could have
access to a broader range of new digital mammography products earlier-and
perhaps at a lower cost-as more competition among manufacturers may drive down
prices of these systems.
One of the innovators of digital
medical imaging systems is Eastman Kodak Company, which currently markets a
digital mammography system for use in Europe, Latin America, Asia and other
parts of the world. Kodak has applied to the FDA for approval to market this
system in the U.S. and the company is conducting clinical trials of this system
in the U.S. and Canada. "We applaud the FDA for examining ways to
streamline the approval process for digital mammography products that may lead
to increased adoption and improved access to these innovative systems,"
said Michael Marsh, vice president, Kodak's Health Group.
Given the benefits and improvements in
both digital and film mammogram technology, there is more reason now than ever
before to encourage mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends to get an annual
mammogram.
The American Cancer Society continues
to recommend the importance of mammograms as a highly effective tool in the
detection of breast cancer. What is critical is not the technology used to
produce a mammogram, but ensuring that women age 40 and older have regular
mammograms as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
