28
June
2019
|
07:47 AM
America/Chicago

The New Shape of Mammography

The discomfort of breast cancer testing is thrown a "curve"

Smart Curve graphic

It's the number one reason women hate getting an annual mammography, or avoid getting one altogether - the pain and discomfort associated with the scan. 

Now, with SmartCurve that issue can no longer be used as an excuse. 

Basically, the SmartCurve paddle is shaped around the breast not flattened, like with a traditional paddle. A simple concept with a big benefit for patients.  

"So, the positioning is the same," says Jennifer Hopkins, Mammography Technologist at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. "You know, the mammogram itself is the same. The compression is still there, it's just that the woman is just more comfortable when she's having the compression."

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Jennifer Hopkins, OSF Mammo Tech on comfort of SmartCurve

The Women's Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is the first in the region with this new technology.

It can be utilized for a majority of mammography patients. The only limitation is the size of the breast. 

"The curve of the paddle mimics the natural shape of the breast," says Jennifer Hopkins, Mammography Technologist at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. "And so, the mound, or the tissue needs to fit within that curve. So, if you're an extremely large breasted woman and have to have your breast imaged in sections, this would not work for you, unfortunately. But, a majority of the women would be able to use it." 

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Jennifer Hopkins, OSF Mammo Tech on SmartCurve limitation

Hopkins says patient feedback has been very positive, with many women commenting on how their mammography was much more comfortable.

The Women's Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is a Breast Center of Excellence through the American College of Radiology. SmartCurve is also available at the OSF Center for Health - Rock Cut and the OSF Imaging Center in Belvidere. All sites have walk-in hours.  

To learn more or make an appointment visit www.osfhealthcare.org/services/women/. 

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SmartCurve b-roll