New Tool In The Fight Against Breast Cancer (NAPSA)—Newly developed screening processes may help millions of women avoid the trauma of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the leading cause of death for American women between the ages of 35 and 54. In 2001 alone, 192,200 new invasive cases of breast cancer were expected in the U.S., resulting in approximately 40,200 deaths. Research has shown that the key to successfully treating breast cancer is early detection. The fiveyear survival rate for the disease is nearly five times as great when it is diagnosed in its early stage (96 percent) as opposed to its later stage (20 percent), says the ACS. A number of radiologists throughout the country are turning to a new tool in the fight against breast cancer. It’s called Second Look”, a computer-aided detection (CAD) system from CADx Medical Systems that was recently approved by the FDA. Second Look provides a radiologist with a computerized secondary review of a mammogram film. This review helps to identify potential cancer. To use Second Look, a patient’s mammograms are digitized and then analyzed using advanced Radiologists are now turning to computer technology to detect cancer. computer technology. Oncethis is complete, a laser-printed report, the Mammagraph”, is produced for the radiologist to review. The report highlights subtle areas that could potentially be cause for concern. Radiologists use the report as an alternative perspective when they makefinal diagnoses. The computerized secondary review is expected to be a valuable tool in breast cancer detection. In fact, U.S. clinical trials have shown that 26.2 percent of breast cancers missed would be detected with the use of Second Look. For more information about Second Look or CAD technology, speak with your doctor or visit www.cadxmed.com.
