Olympic Medical Center now offers digital mammography, a state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic technology.

"Today is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what better way to celebrate the fight against breast cancer than to unveil this valuable technology to women in our community," said Deby King, director of diagnostic imaging at Olympic Medical.

"Women who have been screened before will notice the mammography technologist will be in the room with them throughout the exam and the actual appointment will seem shorter since we no longer must go look at films – the image of the patient’s breast is right there in the room and can be viewed immediately."

The equipment has been installed at the Olympic Medical Park Medical Services Building in Sequim, Olympic Medical Imaging Center on Front Street and Olympic Memorial Hospital on Caroline Street in Port Angeles.

Electronic images

offer better visibility

"With digital mammography, radiologists can take advantage of high-tech, versatile features that aren’t available with film," says Dr. Lilly Rezvani, radiologist on medical staff at Olympic Medical. "Because of the digital nature of the images we can manipulate the images electronically to create better visibility of tissue and anomalies, particularly in the dense breast tissue we see in younger women.

"We can make the image darker or lighter, we can zoom in or out, and we can share it electronically if we’d like to consult with our peers in different locations. We can also utilize the computer-aided detection feature that flags areas the program sees as unusual so we can take a closer look."

Screening saves lives

"For women over 40, it is important to do self-exams on a monthly basis. Many women have their partners perform the exam and we encourage that, too. The important thing is that you are aware of a change when it occurs," Rezvani says. "If you notice a change in your breast, call your doctor."

Giving thanks

to First Federal

In early 2009, First Federal made a corporate donation of $375,000 through its Community Dividend Fund to support the purchase and installation of digital mammography at Olympic Medical Center, as well as provide free screenings for women who qualify.

"The financial support provided by First Federal made digital mammography a reality at Olympic Medical Center. Sharing this cost with us, we were able to purchase digital mammography and install it sooner than we may have been able to without their support. We are very thankful for their generous donation and their support of women’s health," says Rhonda Curry, assistant administrator at Olympic Medical.

Digital mammography community open

house Nov. 4

Olympic Medical Center will celebrate digital mammography and the generous donation by First Federal from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Olympic Medical Imaging Center on Front Street in Port Angeles. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Seasons Café catering staff and a drawing for prizes will be held. The community is invited.

For more information, call 417-7000 or visit www.olympicmedical.org.