New Technology For Breast Cancer Detection (NAPSA)—According to the American Cancer Society, one out of nine women will develop breast eancer in her lifetime. Fortunately, if detected and treated early, breast cancer is shown to be curable in 90 percent of cases. Although mammography is the gold standard in visualization, magnetic resonance (MR) has a growing role in improving breast cancer visualization and monitoring. Recent research with Siemens’ MAGNeTomM MR system has shown that MR breast imaging is excellent in identifying and characterizing lesions. This clinically proven approach is noninvasive, radiation-free and can serve as a valuable adjunct to improve the accuracy of an ambiguous mammogram. In addition, women accustomed to the discomfort of a mammogram—in which the breast is compressed between two plates—are likely to prefer the non-invasive MRtechnique. Because MR uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the breast, the patient simply lays face down on the scanning table while the machinery does the work. MRbreast imaging is also powerful in providing a road mapfor surgery and treatment once patients are diagnosed, and it helps physicians better determine the extent of cancer. Due to its 3D high-resolution capabilities, it is ie A a For breast cancer patients, early diagnosis—including the extent of cancer—can literally be a matter of life or death. particularly useful in patients who have undergone breast reconstruction, have had questionable recurrent cancer and for women with high-density breast tissue. Treatment for the disease still includes many of the tried-andtrue methods: surgery, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, among them. Patients are encouraged to speak with their doctors about the latest diagnostic and treatment methods, to determine the best possible course of action. For additional information, visit the Web site at www.siemensmedical.com.
