Stony Brook enhances breast cancer screening services

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The new Full-Field Digital Hologic Mammography Machine set to enhance breast cancer screening at Stony Brook.

News Summary

Stony Brook University Hospital has introduced a new mammography machine, significantly upgrading its imaging services to enhance breast cancer screening. The Full-Field Digital Hologic Mammography Machine, worth over $700,000, aims to improve access to vital health screenings in the community. The hospital’s mobile mammography unit, ‘Pinky’, has already revolutionized screening rates, especially among the Latina population, showing notable success in early detection. With projections for increased screenings in 2023, this initiative evidences a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes.

Stony Brook: A Big Step Forward in Breast Cancer Screening!

Exciting news is buzzing from Stony Brook! The Stony Brook University Hospital has just announced the addition of a brand-new mammography machine, marking a significant upgrade to its imaging services. This advanced Full-Field Digital Hologic Mammography Machine will be installed on the first floor of the hospital’s ambulatory care pavilion, aiming to enhance breast cancer screening services in the community and beyond.

Investing in Health

The mammography machine comes with a hefty price tag, totaling over $700,000. That’s quite the investment in community health! Out of this cost, about $42,000 will be specifically allocated for installation, ensuring everything is up and running smoothly when it arrives. It’s a step towards making sure that everyone has access to vital health screenings, which are crucial for early detection.

A Mobile Marvel

If this wasn’t enough to get you excited, the hospital has also been making a significant impact with its mobile mammography unit affectionately known as “Pinky.” Since launching in July 2018, Pinky has played a crucial role in increasing breast cancer screenings, particularly among a predominantly Latina population. In fact, the screening rates soared from just 9% to a phenomenal 69%!

Pinky’s contribution doesn’t stop there. In just its first two days of operation, the mobile unit detected breast cancer in two women. To date, it has carried out over 7,000 screenings, equipped with top-notch facilities including a hospital exam room and a 3-D mammography unit. It has also helped identify more than 400 BI-RADS categories, recommending follow-ups for several patients and diagnosing 40 cancers.

Riding the Pink Wave

To make it easier for patients to access these vital services, Pinky has financed over 270 Uber rides to assist patients in attending their screenings and appointments. A staggering 58% of the women served by the mobile unit are uninsured, highlighting a crucial gap in access to healthcare.

The mobile unit partners with two major community organizations to cover screening costs for uninsured and underinsured patients. Results from a recent self-evaluation project have indicated that Pinky effectively serves 15% of the total Hispanic population in some of the most underserved areas of Suffolk County, providing necessary screenings where they are most needed.

A Growing Concern

Looking ahead, the projected number of screenings for 2023 is a promising 1,884, which marks a 25% increase from 2019. Health experts agree that annual mammograms are vital for catching breast cancer early, though there remains confusion about screening frequency guidelines. While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screenings starting at age 40, the American Cancer Society advocates for annual screenings beginning at 45. This can be particularly concerning as black women face a higher risk for late-stage breast cancer and are 40% more likely to succumb to it compared to white women.

Interestingly, Long Island’s breast cancer rates surpass the averages for both New York City and the entire state, with Nassau and Suffolk counties reporting rates of 145.9 and 139.9 per 100,000, respectively. These statistics emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening services as we continue to battle breast cancer in our communities.

Paving the Way for Healthier Futures

With the new mammography machine and continued efforts from the Pinky mobile unit, Stony Brook University Hospital is taking monumental steps towards ensuring that everyone has access to breast cancer screenings. This is a clear message that health matters, and everyone deserves the best possible care.