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Mercy now offers digital mammography

Powerful new tool aids in fight for early detection of breast cancer

01 / 24 / 2008

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OSHKOSH, Wis. – Digital mammography, a state-of-the-art system to aid in the early detection of breast cancer, has arrived at Mercy Medical Center.

Digital mammography takes mammogram screening for breast cancer out of the era of film and into the digital age. Images are immediately available on computer screen and can be manipulated to more clearly see specific areas of the breast.

“Research shows that digital mammography is better at screening women who are under age 50, pre or perimenopausal women of any age and women with dense breast tissue,” said Mike Binder, manager of Radiology Services at Mercy Medical Center. “This technology provides high-precision accuracy.”

This year, more than 212,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. “A vital step to good preventive health is being able to provide the best diagnostic equipment possible,” said William Calhoun, president of Mercy Medical Center. “That is something we take very seriously.”

Mercy will begin using digital mammography in early February. Women may schedule their appointment by contacting the Phyllis Leach Breast Center at (920) 236-1880.

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For the Editor:
Affinity Health System, a Catholic mission-oriented regional health care network, is a partnership of Ministry Health Care and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Affinity Health System is the Fox Valley’s third largest employer, according to the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and is ranked 24 among the top 100 integrated health care networks nationwide (Verispan 2008). Both St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh rank among the top 1 percent among hospitals nationwide in terms of quality and efficiency, as determined by the 2007 Premier | CareScience Select practice National Quality Award. Network Health Plan has achieved Excellent accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the highest possible level. It is ranked 37th among the 250 rated health plans in the nation in terms of customer satisfaction and clinical performance, according to the U.S. News and World Report/NCQA Best Health Plans in America listing. Members of Affinity include Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Health Foundation, Oshkosh; St. Elizabeth Hospital and the St. Elizabeth Hospital Community Foundation, Appleton; Affinity Medical Group, a regional network of 23 family practice and specialty clinics in 13 communities; Calumet Medical Center, Chilton; Network Health Plan, Menasha; and Affinity Occupational Health.