New mammo tech offers patients greater control

CALGARY – Mayfair Diagnostics, a group of diagnostic imaging clinics in Western Canada, has introduced a state-of-the-art mammography technology that gives patients the option to adjust their own level of breast compression during their mammogram.

The new Senographe Pristina mammography system, from GE Healthcare, has been up and running in Mayfair Diagnostics’ Mayfair Place and Southcentre locations for over a month. In addition to providing excellent picture resolution, the technology allows women to control the compression applied during the imaging process.

So far, more than 400 patients were willing to provide feedback on their experience with the new technology. Among those patients, 75% said that it was more comfortable than previous mammograms and 90% said they would be extremely likely to come back for their regular screening.

“Some patients find mammograms uncomfortable, due to the pressure, and are therefore less likely to screen with mammography. This new technology allows the patient to reduce the pressure of the exam, while still maintaining excellent diagnostic quality,” says Dr. Sarah Donnelly (pictured), breast imaging radiologist at Mayfair Diagnostics.

After the breast is properly positioned by a technologist and initial compression is set, the patient can use a handheld wireless remote control – called patient-assisted compression – to adjust the level of compression to what’s comfortable for her, under the guidance of a technologist.

“Designed by a team of women for women, GE Healthcare has transformed mammography with the Senographe Pristina and the introduction of patient-assisted compression to decrease pain associated with the exam, improve patient experience, and may increase outcomes for breast cancer screening, which we know saves lives,” says Heather Chalmers, president and general manager, GE Healthcare Canada.

Since the late 1980s, Canada’s breast cancer death rate has been declining thanks to earlier detection from regular mammography screening and improvements in treatment. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive after five years, and the earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

“At Mayfair Diagnostics, we are committed to leading-edge technology in the fight against breast cancer. Pristina is part of that commitment,” says Dr. Donnelly.

“It was a much different experience when I went for a mammogram this time; it was so quick and easy,” says Donna Grandan, a Mayfair mammography patient. “If you’ve never gone, now’s the time to go, because it’s not what it used to be. It’s pain-free, it’s easy, and it saves your life.”

About Mayfair Diagnostics
A leader in the medical imaging industry, Mayfair is providing greater clarity and control to patients across Western Canada, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. Owned and operated by a group of more than 50 practicing radiologists, we offer a broad suite of medical imaging services, including private exams at our Mayfair Place and Regina Centre Crossing locations. We proudly serve more than 700,000 patients and provide more than 90,000 teleradiology interpretations each year. For more information, please visit www.radiology.ca.

About GE Healthcare
Harnessing data and analytics across hardware, software and biotech, GE Healthcare is the $19 billion healthcare business of GE (NYSE:GE). As a leading provider of medical imaging equipment, with a track record of more than 100 years in the industry and more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we transform healthcare by delivering better outcomes for providers and patients. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and The Pulse for latest news. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at www.gehealthcare.com.