Mammography imaging and bone density imaging equipment upgrades at UVM Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center will make breast imaging and density exams faster, more comfortable, give patients more accurate and comprehensive results, and reduce unnecessary follow-up appointments, the hospital announced today.

Alice Hyde’s Radiology department recently upgraded its mammography and bone density imaging equipment to include new state-of-the-art resources, including:

• Hologic 2D Mammography system
• Hologic Genius 3D Mammography system
• SmartCurve Breast Stabilization system
• Horizon DXA system

Breast Cancer Screening Upgrades

The new equipment gives clinicians and patients access to leading-edge technology that improves the accuracy of mammography and breast and bone density exams, and gives patients a more comfortable experience during exams – something Outpatient Medical Imaging Manager Robin Bresette, BS, said her team hopes will improve breast screening rates across the region served by the hospital.

“Mammograms play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Being able to offer state-of-the-art equipment that improves accuracy and patient comfort while maintaining clinical quality is something we are very excited about,” said Bresette. “By lessening the pain and anxiety that is often associated with mammograms, we hope to increase the number of women who receive appropriate screening services.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all women between the ages of 50 and 74 receive a mammogram every two years. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2021 about 76% of women in that age range said they had received a mammogram within the last two years.

The hospital’s new mammography equipment features a proprietary system –SmartCurve Breast Stabilization – that reduces pinching and allows for better distribution of force while the breast is compressed during a mammogram, according to manufacturer Hologic.

That system is paired with new 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional imaging equipment, including Hologic’s Genius 3D Mammography system, which is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers and decrease the number of patients who are asked to return for additional testing.

Bresette said improved imaging quality and accuracy – the new system uses both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans, which takes multiple images and creates a multi-layered, 3-dimensional image – will result in more comprehensive breast cancer screening, which is also rated as more effective for women with dense breasts.

Providing the Latest in Bone Health Assessments

The department has also expanded the health-and-wellness services available to both men and women, adding the Horizon DXA bone density imaging system to its suite of services. The equipment provides superb image quality and also includes advanced diagnostic tools that support early detection and treatment of osteoporosis – a disease that develops when bone mineral density and mass decrease, or when the structure or strength of bone changes.

Bone density tests are used primarily to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia, as well as patient’s risk of future fractures. The test measures bone mass and tells clinicians whether a patient’s bones are brittle and prone to break or fracture easily.

The new equipment will help clinicians gain greater insights into patients’ bone strength, better visualize internal calcification in abdominal blood vessels that can indicate heart disease and can be used in a wide variety of other clinical applications – from spinal studies to skeletal measurements.

“Providing comprehensive bone density services with advanced technology is a tremendous resource for our patients and Alice Hyde’s medical staff,” said Bresette. “ As our entire regions continues to age, we are investing in the equipment and technology that best serves their growing needs.”