• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Naval Hospital Brenerton Unveils New Breast Health Center

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101110-15
11/10/2010

By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton celebrated the opening of its new Breast Health Center with a ribbon cutting Nov. 8.

The Breast Health Center, equipped with the latest digital mammography to perform breast cancer screenings, is the newest and most advanced of its kind on the Kitsap Peninsula and features the leading edge in 21st century technology. The new system represents a gradual transformation for mammograms from the days of film processing to cassettes that still needed to be developed to the just-installed direct digital system.

"In the constant war we wage on breast cancer, this is our shock and awe campaign," said Cmdr. Daniel Sherwood, Radiology department head. "The direct digital system is such a tremendous boost in terms of real-time efficiency and incredible enhanced image," said Sherwood. "As soon as the image is taken, we can then look at it. There is no film or cassettes to handle. This is the best of the best and by adding this technology, this confirms our commitment to our patients that they are receiving the best care that we can give them."

According to Deni Lee, RT(R)M, BS, Mammography Department clinical navigator, digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images to evaluate and focus on areas of concern.

"By offering our beneficiaries the latest technology in mammography, we hope to see an increase in those who follow recommendations for regular screenings," said Lee.

Compiled statistics show that screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality 25-30 percent for women ages 50-70 and 18 percent for women ages 40-50. Early detection also gives women new options for breast-conserving therapy.

"As soon as our beneficiaries see this new Breast Health Center, they will know they are getting the best breast mammographic exam that is available," said Lee "During the actual procedures, the Radiologist and technologist no longer need to leave the room to observe the images because they appear almost instantly. The new digital capability is a time saver to patient as well as provider."

Additionally, the accompanying waiting and dressing area will offer patients total privacy.

"There will be no more waiting outside," said Lee. "We have known for a long time that just coming in for an appointment can be nerve-wracking and this suite affords everyone a measure of solitude."

"This really is an incredible achievement," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, NHB commanding officer. "Our staff are so committed to taking on this disease and defeating it tactically. We have a lot of passion at the deckplates. Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease or has even lost their battle due to it."

Digital mammography is computer-based with specially designed digital detectors to produce images for a high-resolution computer monitor that can also be transmitted and stored just like computer files.

There are many benefits of digital mammography. Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny "spots," called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This can save additional time and reduce exposure to x-rays.

Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of original films.

"Mammography and in particular digital mammography is the best way to screen for breast cancer in its earlier stages and saves lives," said Lee. "If the cancer is detected before it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the chance for a cure is nearly 100 percent."