Digital Mammography

The Affinity Health System Breast Center is the first comprehensive breast center in the Fox Cities, Oshkosh and Chilton dedicated to the early diagnosis, treatment, care and survival of breast cancer.

Why digital imaging?

For many years, traditional film-screen mammography systems have been considered the gold standard of care for mammography screening. More recently, full-field digital mammography (FFDM) has also played an important role in the detection of breast cancer.  However, while both are important diagnostic tools that use X-rays to produce an image of the breast, there are distinct differences between the two technologies.

Digital images can be stored and shared electronically.  Digital images are acquired in an electronic format and can be sent easily across networks. Once the digital image reaches the display device, it can be instantly reviewed. And because multiple copies of digital images can be produced without degrading the original integrity of the mammographic detail, the digital mammogram can be shared and reviewed simultaneously in multiple locations if required.

Digital mammography has a lower recall rate than film-screen.  A study by Dr. Lewin et. al. (2002) showed that the use of digital technology resulted in 20 percent fewer recalls, when compared to film-screen imaging. The benefits of having significantly fewer false positive recalls include less unnecessary work-ups, lower costs, less patient anxiety and better overall patient care.

Additional information

GE Healthcare spent more than 15 years and more than $150 million developing the full-field digital mammography platforms currently being used today. The GE Healthcare full-field digital mammography system has been extensively researched by clinicians from around the world, resulting in over 350 independent scientific studies. The GE Healthcare full-field digital mammography platform has been used to image more than 20 million women worldwide.

Improved patient care

What does this mean for you, the patient?  Your mammogram images will be produced faster and clearer than ever before, leading to more timely, accurate results.  Your test results can be reviewed by multiple doctors in multiple locations if needed, which means regional experts in breast care can consult quickly and conveniently on the best course of action for your health.

Available at:

Phyllis Leach Breast Center
Mercy Medical Center
500 S. Oakwood Road
Second Floor
Oshkosh, WI 54904

Affinity Breast Center
St. Elizabeth Hospital Breast Center
1506 S. Oneida St.
First Floor, Suite 124
Appleton, WI 54915

Affinity Breast Center
Calumet Medical Center
614 Memorial Drive
Chilton, WI 53014