Three reasons why mammography is the best option

Mammography screening performed annually is the best option for women age 40 to 49, according to a review published online in the Journal of Breast Imaging. Annual screening is recommended for three main reasons, not least of which is a reduction in breast cancer mortality between 29% and 49%. Benefits will continue to improve While the article is highly clinical … Read More

Why take advantage of 3D mammography technology?

This spring marks approximately nine years since our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services  (DIS), began performing 3D screening and diagnostic mammograms. We began with our Metairie – Veterans Memorial Boulevard Women’s Center and expanded to our Covington – Highway 21, Marrero and Slidell, LA locations. But, why should women take advantage of this technology? Some reasons are provided … Read More

FDA approves the only mammogram superior for women with dense breasts

Our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), the only independently-owned radiology practice of its type in the greater New Orleans area to offer Genius 3D mammography shares an announcement released by the Genius manufacturer, Hologic, Inc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Genius 3D as superior to standard 2D mammography for routine breast cancer screening of women … Read More

Trying to put 3D mammography dose in understandable terms

One of the questions often posed by women and by medical providers regarding 3D mammography is about overall safety. Numerous reports, studies and research came out regarding what we call ionizing radiation, which is defined as radiation consisting of particles, x-rays, or gamma rays with sufficient energy to cause ionization in the medium through which it passes. While that may … Read More

Your first mammogram: what to expect

Going through something the first time is usually when it cause the most concern, worry and anxiousness, particularly as it applies to breast cancer screening. Here is some information we would like to provide to hopefully put women who are having their very first mammogram at ease. How do you prepare for a screening mammogram? Here are a couple of … Read More

If her provider had used more sophisticated 3D technology…

“I might have caught it before it spread to lymph nodes and before it upended my life.” That’s a quote from an April 2018 article in The Advocate with State Representative Julie Stokes. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery, and emerged from the health challenge cancer-free. More advanced technology? In the article, Ms. Stokes revealed that she learned that her screening … Read More

Study: 3D mammography finds smaller cancer than 2D mammography does

According to a presentation made at a radiology-centered medical convention, a study was presented that showed breast cancer screening utilizing 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), identifies smaller breast cancer when compared to 2D screening mammography. This finding indicates that this technology can improve health outcomes for women diagnosed with early breast cancer. Smaller … Read More

Research shows 3D mammography helps in accuracy of detecting breast cancer

In a healthcare journal article published in 2017,  more and more clinical evidence indicates that using 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), for breast cancer screening reduces recall rates and increases the detection of invasive cancers. Now another benefit of the technology is coming to the forefront: Adding DBT to digital mammography helps radiologists categorize lesions more accurately. … Read More

Medicare and Managed Medicare health insurance now cover 3D mammography

Women with Medicare and Managed Medicare plans (i.e. Humana Gold, Choices 65, etc.) can choose the 3D mammography option for their screening without any additional fees. For nearly four years, these plans also cover 3D in addition to the traditional portion of their mammogram. 3D mammography is also known as breast tomosynthesis. There are several additional health insurance plan types … Read More

Additional research continues to tout the superiority of 3D mammography

In published articles within the radiology industry, a pair of studies were presented during a national radiologic convention that once again showed the improved performance of breast cancer screening and diagnosis when women were examined with 3D mammography. This continues the trend over the recent years of study after study showing the superiority of 3D mammography (also known as Digital … Read More

DIS Women’s Center awarded Breast Center of Excellence designation

In the greater New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana region, the Diagnostic Imaging Services Women’s Center, part of our Metairie, LA Women’s and Advanced Imaging facility, has been awarded the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). According to the ACR, “The Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) designation is awarded to breast imaging centers … Read More

Women benefit from Affordable Care Act ban on mammography co-pays

In a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) elimination of co-pays for screening mammography in 2010 has had a positive benefit for commercially insured women across a variety of racial and income groups. According to the research team, racial disparities in screening mammography have narrowed, particularly among African American women. … Read More

Breast density: the basics and why it matters

The following is information provided by Hologic, the provider of the Genius™ 3D Mammography technology found at our affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services. Breasts consist of two types of tissue that appear differently on a mammogram, including fatty and dense tissue. Dense breast tissue appears whiter on the mammogram image, making it more difficult for radiologists to see cancer, if present, … Read More

American Society of Breast Surgeons releases position statement on screening mammography

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) released a position statement that includes four main points for women and their medical providers to consider regarding screening mammogram guidelines and overall assessment for breast health. Below are the four points drawn up by the ASBrS: Women over the age of 25 should undergo an formal risk assessment for breast cancer. Women … Read More

Should women under the age of 40 get a baseline screening mammogram?

What is a baseline screening mammogram? The answer is simple. it’s a woman’s first mammogram. The question regarding age is often posed to medical providers and also the frequent subject of medical provider commentary or published studies and papers. The general consensus is that in general, regular mammograms are not recommended for women who are at average risk for breast … Read More

Breast density: why it is important to know

Capitol Imaging Services shares a few questions and answers regarding the topic of breast density and its importance to women. Q.  I had a mammogram recently and was told that I have dense breast tissue. What does that mean? A.  Breasts are made up of fat and non-fatty glandular and connective breast tissue. Some women have more fat than breast tissue, … Read More

The connection between dense breast tissue and a woman’s mammogram report

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an excellent resource, care of the American Cancer Society, on the above topic of dense breasts and mammogram reports. Breast density can be determined only by mammograms. It is not related to breast size or firmness. A woman may think that because her breasts are firm, they are dense; but breast density is not determined by how … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services joins the Capitol Imaging Services affiliate network

As Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) approaches its fifth decade of service to the greater New Orleans and southeast Louisiana regions, change often is inevitable. The only thing that stays the same is change. Over the past year, DIS has undergone its own changes in going from its own imaging organization into one that is larger and stronger. We’ve done that … Read More

Study: 3D mammography increases cancer detection

A groundbreaking study was published that found 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, significantly increased cancer detection while simultaneously reducing the number of false positives. According to the study’s results, 3D mammography finds significantly more invasive or lethal cancers than a traditional mammogram. It also reduces the number of women called back for unnecessary screenings due to false alarms. … Read More

Tomosynthesis classifies breast lesions more accurately

In a recent national conference held in Chicago, IL for radiology and medical professionals, research presented concluded that adding digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, to digital mammography for screening appears to have many benefits, including greater sensitivity in dense breast tissue and fewer recalls. But the technology also classifies non-calcified breast lesions more accurately in the diagnostic … Read More

The economic value of 3D breast tomosynthesis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Despite increasing incident rates, annual mortality rates have declined by approximately 2% per year, which has been attributed to the combination of earlier detection and improvements in treatments. Mammography plays a key role in early breast cancer detection. Two-dimensional digital mammography is the current standard of care in breast cancer screening. … Read More

Join us for the New Orleans Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff on August 3

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud to once again be the sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff breakfast on August 3, 2016 at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans. DIS joins the ACS in believing that everyone with breast cancer should have support. That’s why the American Cancer Society is so determined to be … Read More

Visit DIS and “Pink up the Pace”

Diagnostic Imaging Services will be hosting our first ever “PINK UP THE PACE” event on Wednesday morning, October 26, 2016. This event gives women an opportunity to learn more about mammography and women’s health, as well as make appointments for breast cancer screenings. And, while visiting DIS, take advantage of our free 10-minute chair massage, courtesy of Balance Massage! Come … Read More

Benefits of 3D mammography

3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is making news across the country in the benefits it offers women in the area of breast cancer detection. Prior to 2014, many pundits claimed there was a lack of evidence in the superiority of the technology. However, that is rapidly changing. Visit the link below to read a news report from Virginia regarding … Read More

A celebration of health and wellness honoring Mother’s Day

If you are 40 or older, the American Cancer Society encourages you to get a mammogram. In addition, health advocates are urging all mom’s to talk to their health care providers about getting screened for breast cancer and to better understand their personal risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. … Read More