Women’s Center to offer newest digital mammography technology


Mills-Peninsula Breast Centers provide more than 25,000 exams each year, and more than 70 percent of cancers detected are at the earliest, most curable stages.

According to radiologist Harriet Borofsky, M.D, that’s thanks to skill and state-of-the-art equipment. And when the new Women’s Center opens at Mills this year, the picture will be even brighter.

“We will be the first
community setting in the region to introduce all-digital mammography, the most advanced tool for cancer diagnosis,” she said.

Instead of film, digital X-rays transmit electronic signals to a detector that sends them to a computer. The computer displays the images on a high-resolution monitor.

Digital mammography is quicker, requires less
radiation and allows the radiologist to instantly send the patient’s mammogram to her doctor, the radiologist explained.

“The images are very detailed and allow for better evaluation, especially for women with dense breasts, because they can be magnified and processed in a variety of ways.”

While the exam itself won’t look or feel different, women will notice an improvement in the experience.

“The technologist doesn’t have to run and develop film,” Dr. Borofsky said.

“She views the image right in the room and knows immediately whether further views are needed.”

State-of-the-art mammography is only part of what women will find at the new Center. Other breast cancer detection tools include
dedicated breast ultrasound, a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) diagnostic program for high-risk women, and stereotactic and MRI guided biopsies.

The center also will offer genetic counseling, prenatal diagnostic services, bone density screening, specialty physician consultations, counseling, wellness programs and education.


News to Share
More than 70 percent of cancers diagnosed at Mills-Peninsula’s Breast Centers were at Stage 0 or Stage One, when survival is as high as 99 percent. This exceeds the National Cancer Database average by 9 percent.

To learn how you can help support the new Women’s Center, call the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation at (650) 696 5990.

For more information about the Women’s Center, click here.