NUMC Unveils New Breast Cancer Screening Equipment

The Nassau University Medical Center now has more comprehensive technology in breast cancer screening.

On Monday, in the National Mah Jongg League Foundation Breast Center, hospital staff and community members celebrated the arrival of new technology that improves the screening process through its operational Holohic Selena Dimension 2D full digital mammography system, its Discover QDR bone densitometry system and its Phillips IU22 ultrasonography system. The cost of the project was $1.2 million, all of which was obtained in Oct. 2009 from the Kermit Gitenstein Foundation.

"We are grateful for the $1.2 million Kermit Gitenstein Foundation donation," Arthur A. Gianelli, president of the NuHealth System, said. "This will provide Nassau County women with the most advanced screening and diagnostic technology, which helps to save lives."

The new machinery will be more patient-friendly, as it allows for people to get the best results in a reasonable amount of time.

"We are thrilled that we have this wonderful new equipment," Christine Mancuso, nurse manager for the breast imaging center, said. "It provides clearer and faster images. It helps us with flow and it's better for the women."

Another benefit of the new machinery is that it helps detect breast cancer in its earlier stages, and it also is an asset for the uninsured.

"The enhanced, comprehensive screening program provides a full complement of screening services and treatment options to approximately 90 percent of the uninsured women in Nassau County, and has performed over 95,000 mammography studies," Mancuso said. "The program remains one of the largest of its type in New York State, and the largest provider of mammography services to uninsured and underinsured women in all of Nassau County."

If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, contact the NUMC Breast Center at 572-6635.