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Greenwich Hospital Breast Cancer Technology & Survival Rates

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Dr. Barbara Ward (contributed photo)

The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Greenwich Hospital Campus combines the newest technology and a team of top breast specialists at one state-of-the-art center. Under the medical direction of nationally acclaimed breast surgeon, Barbara Ward, MD, the Breast Center provides women in the community with easy access to both clinical and support services.

More women survive breast cancer than ever before thanks to advanced screening and diagnostic techniques that allow treatments to be tailored specifically to each patient. In 2014, Greenwich Hospital converted all its mammography equipment to 3-D units, which offer improved cancer detection.

Digital 3-D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, allows radiologists to view the breast in thin ‘slices’ in addition to the conventional mammogram. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that conventional digital mammography when combined with 3-D tomosynthesis technology can lead to an increase in cancer detection by as much as 33 percent. The total radiation dose with breast tomosynthesis is slightly higher than with 2-D alone, but due to advances in digital technology, it is well below federal safety standards. The study also noted a 10-20 percent reduction in the need to recall patients for further testing, an improvement that decreases patient anxiety and reduces healthcare costs.

The 3-D screenings are more expensive and the additional cost is not always covered by health insurance. At this time, Greenwich Hospital is not charging patients any additional fee for the service.

Last year, the Breast Center at Greenwich Hospital was one of the first in the country to receive a three-year, full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for meeting high standards for treating breast disease.

“Our patients receive quality breast care close to home, provided by a multidisciplinary team that works together to coordinate care and identify the best treatment options,” said Dr. Ward. “That’s one of the reasons survival rates for patients treated for cancer at the Breast Center exceed the national average.”

The Breast Center is one of the beneficiaries of Greenwich Hospital’s annual Under the Stars fundraiser on June 24. This year, the event incorporates all women’s and children’s services under its umbrella of fundraising.

For more information about the event, or how to purchase tickets, please visit giving.greenhosp.org/underTheStars

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