May 8, 2017

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lee Chastant III, CEO

Phone: (225) 635-3811

Email:

West Feliciana Hospital partners with Woman’s Hospital

to offer a new dimension in mammography

West Feliciana Hospital announces it will partner with Woman’s Hospital to offer 3D mammography when its new hospital facility opens in June.

3D mammography produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists view inside the breast, layer by layer. The benefits are clearer, more precise images that allow doctors to effectively identify abnormalities. This new technology is ideal for diagnosing breast cancer in its earliest stages in all women, and is encouraged for women who have dense breasts, have tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene, or have a personal history of breast cancer.

“We believe this strategic partnership will benefit both screening and diagnostic mammography for patients with the most effective technology,” said West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant. “In addition, Woman’s is a trusted name in healthcare services for women.”

As part of the new arrangement, WFH will supply the space and equipment for the 3D mammography along with coordination of the program. Woman’s will provide a technician along with any follow-up treatment if necessary and all breast-imaging studies are interpreted by two board-certified radiologists. Patient data will be accessible through Woman’s.

In the screening setting, 3D mammography has been shown to eliminate unnecessary anxiety by reducing “overcalling” abnormalities or call backs for a second look. In the diagnostic setting, fewer views are needed to accurately assess the breasts, thereby making the procedure more comfortable and less time consuming.

3D mammography can detect small breast cancers earlier by producing more than 120 one-millimeter thin images of each breast, compared to four images with routine 2D mammography. This is achieved using the same low radiation dose as standard 2D mammography. These images allow for greater accuracy in pinpointing size and location of abnormalities, and reduce the need for additional tests or unnecessary biopsies.

Statistically, one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.

For information, call (225) 635-3811 or visit womans.org/3D to learn more.

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