Industry news: GE Healthcare's first full field digital mammography system for Free State

This is according to Marc Mougel, Zone Sales Manager for GE Healthcare, Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Together with Dr. Botha's practice, GE Healthcare is very proud to be instrumental in providing Bloemfontein, and indeed the entire Free State region in general, with this advanced technology,” said Mougel.

According to CANSA (The Cancer Association of South Africa), breast cancer is the number one cancer in women worldwide; and is the second-most common cancer amongst South African women. Current statistics predict that one in 31 women in South Africa will get breast cancer in her lifetime; and indications are that breast cancer is becoming more common in women under the age of 40. However, early detection of the disease significantly improves the outcome of the treatment and management of the cancer.

“Early detection is still the most effective way to reduce mortality from breast cancer, and one of our best tools for early detection is mammography technology. Digital mammography such as GE Healthcare's Senographe DS system, represents a great technological advance in the efficiency and accessibility of the type of services offered by medical practitioners,” explained Medical Imaging's Dr. Sanet Botha.

“By investing in the Senographe DS digital mammography system, we are investing in a more effective future of patient treatment. Equipment of this nature means that the chances of earlier detection are improved, and the patient's treatment can begin sooner.”

“Digital mammography is key to our undertaking to provide our clients with more personal, patient-friendly and focused care; which thereby encourages patients to return annually and provides them with the best possible technology and accurate information as to the risks, prevention and treatment of breast cancer,” said Dr. Botha.

GE Healthcare's Marc Mougel adds: “The Senographe DS is a full-field digital mammography system designed to meet a range of clinical needs - from screening to diagnostic and interventional procedures - using the same detector to optimise image quality and workflow; and has several major advantages for both the patient and the practice.”

The Senographe DS utilises low energy x-rays that pass through the breast and produce an image which is displayed on a computer screen instead of a film. The low energy x-rays mean that the patient is exposed to less radiation than in the traditional mammogram process.

Because the image is digital, it can be manipulated regarding criteria such as contrast, brightness and magnification. These can be changed to make sure that clearer images are obtained, making it possible for small tumours to be more easily recognised from the surrounding breast tissue.

With digital mammography the time required for examinations is reduced. This improvement in terms of time and accessibility of the examination, makes the process more convenient and accessible for women who often say a lack of time is major reason for putting off regular mammograms.

The system also produces more accurate results faster. This is a major factor in reducing patient anxiety, and speeding up the process should treatment be required.

Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD), is a software tool that highlights any suspicious-looking areas on the mammogram. This process acts as a 'second reader' in addition to the specialist looking at the mammogram.

Because the images are digital and can be stored electronically on the system - this means that there is a reduced risk of film being lost. In addition, it makes it possible for the image to be transferred electronically to the referring doctor or the patient can be provided with a compact disc or DVD with the image on it.
“This first Senographe DS at Medical Imaging is an excellent example of how GE Healthcare is committed to deploying our advanced technological solutions to make the everyday experience of healthcare a more productive and patient-friendly process. We believe in the 'early health' model of care. To drive this concept, we are working closely with world-renowned clinicians and leading medical reference sites worldwide to develop and bring to market innovative technologies that can help clinicians diagnose a disease as quickly and as early as possible , which ultimately benefits their patients,” concluded Mougel.

GE Healthcare
Zone Sales Manger, Sub-Saharan Africa
Marc Mougel
Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27-11-6538800
Fax: +27-11-653-8801
marc.mougel@med.ge.com