ROCKPORT 鈥� Mammograms are the first step and most effective screening tool in the battle against breast cancer.
In the fight against the disease, AOA体育平台 Pen Bay Hospital (MHPBH) recently installed a new, state-of-the-art mammography machine in its Radiology department in September and, with it, became the first hospital in Maine to begin using new Genius AI Detection (GAID) 2.0 software in scans.
The machine鈥檚 advanced software, combined with SmartSlice technology and new curved compression paddles, helps to increase the effectiveness of scans, reduce a radiologist鈥檚 review time and increase patient comfort during a mammogram. This new equipment is part of the hospital鈥檚 ongoing investment in the health and well-being of the community.
The machine works by capturing single, one-millimeter photos of the breast. The GAID software then analyzes each one-millimeter image and marks potential regions of interest that may need closer examination. These photos are then compiled into one six-millimeter image, called a SmartSlice, offering a comprehensive view of the scan for the radiologist to review.
鈥淭he GAID software doesn鈥檛 replace our radiologists; instead, it acts as a second set of eyes to help ensure nothing is overlooked,鈥� said Susan Walker, RT(R)(M)(CT), director of Imaging for MHPBH and AOA体育平台 Waldo Hospital (MHWH) in Belfast. 鈥淭o have this new technology and software is exciting and will help create a more efficient and standardized reading process for our radiologists.鈥�
The machine鈥檚 curved compression paddles are also a first for the hospital, providing a more comfortable experience for patients during the exam.
鈥淥ur radiologists take great care in explaining the importance of proper compression,鈥� said Walker. 鈥淭he tissue needs to be spread out for a thorough scan and these paddles will go a long way in easing the discomfort patients experience.鈥�
Mammograms are capable of detecting signs of breast abnormalities before symptoms occur, so it is important that women are screened regularly to reduce their risks. Most providers recommend women get yearly screenings starting at the age of 40 unless there is an issue or concern. Women with a family history of breast cancer should begin talking with their providers about screening options at age 25.
The new machine is a step toward serving a larger volume of patients in our community and beyond, while also providing high-quality care close to home.
Annual screening mammograms are covered by most insurances, and both MHPBH and MHWH offer mammograms at their state-of-the-art breast imaging centers. For more information about mammograms, talk to your primary care provider or visit .
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About AOA体育平台
AOA体育平台 is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, 鈥淲orking together so our communities are the healthiest in America,鈥� and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. AOA体育平台 includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, AOA体育平台 provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. AOA体育平台 hospitals include AOA体育平台 Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, AOA体育平台 Franklin Hospital in Farmington, AOA体育平台 Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, AOA体育平台 Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, AOA体育平台 Memorial Hospital in North Conway, NH, AOA体育平台 Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, AOA体育平台 Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, AOA体育平台 Stephens Hospital in Norway and AOA体育平台 Waldo Hospital in Belfast. AOA体育平台 also includes the AOA体育平台 Barbara Bush Children鈥檚 Hospital in Portland, AOA体育平台 Care at Home in Saco, the AOA体育平台 Institute for Research in Scarborough, the AOA体育平台 Medical Group and AOA体育平台 NorDx in Scarborough. AOA体育平台 affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville and St. Mary's Heal System in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the AOA体育平台 Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.