Company News Room

 

The new coil comes with its own MRI table, meaning that patients can be positioned outside the scan room. After preparation by the technologist, the table is simply wheeled into the scan room.

Providence Imaging Center has recently installed the Sentinelle Vanguard^® breast MRI coil system, showing our continued commitment to leadership in the field of breast MRI.

The Sentinelle Vanguard high performance breast coil system optimizes image quality and access for positioning and intervention. Its award winning design also improves workflow and provides superior patient comfort. Sentinelle's suite of advanced technologies for MRI and intervention creates an integrated, flexible, and dedicated system, improving patient health care. Our systems feature:

• Unique Variable Coil Geometry^TM to improve image quality
• Fully adjustable coils that fit any size or shape breast
• Full medial and lateral breast access for improved positioning and biopsy capabilities
• State-of-the-art ergonomic design with the option of positioning the patient's arms at the side or above the head
• Comfortable padding and adjustable cushions for increased patient comfort

The images above are from a recent breast MRI patient that detail a cancerous lesion in the left breast. The graph to the right is called a washin/washout curve. When it spikes rapidly, this generally indicates cancer. 

Lyle Downing, MRI supervisor, is already seeing the benefits of the new technology in terms of the women we have been able to help. "We recently scanned a patient from out of town who previously could not be accomodated in our MRI unit.  The new table is much more comfortable, and is designed to slide into the magnet with more clearance. Her height (5 feet, six inches) and weight (close to 300 lbs.) would normally prohibit her from getting this important imaging test," shares Lyle.

Our patients are liking the new table/coil configuration. The coil is visible to the right of the patient (above). She simply lies face down, with her arms either to her side or above her head. The upgrade includes a new software package and workstation that allows the radiologist to analyze any suspicous areas in detail. 

Dr. Denise Farleigh, PIC's medical director and director of breast imaging, echoes this sentiment: "Not only are our patients more comfortable, but image quality is also improved. Should a biopsy be required, access to the area in question is much easier. We are extremely pleased with this upgrade, and the improved ability to scan a new segment of the patient population--those who were previously too large for the equipment."

Providence Imaging Center's team is committed to providing the best in patient care. For more information on the Sentinelle Breast MRI solution, visit sentinellemedical.com.

Contribution marks more than $1 million since 2004

Pictured in front of the mobile mammography coach with the check (l-r): Rob Backus, Susan Ruddy, Wanda Katinszky, Glenn Peterson and Al Parrish.

Carrs Safeway presented the Cancer Center with a check for $301,866 this past Monday at Providence. The funds were donated by Carrs Safeway, its employees and its customers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2009. Since 2004, Carrs Safeway has contributed more than $1 million toward a mobile mammography motor coach, breast cancer screenings and research at Providence.

Monday also kicked-off free breast cancer screenings at Providence for women who are 40 and older and have financial need for a free mammogram. The screening took place April 26-29 at Providence Imaging Center by appointment. In 2009, these free screenings served 202 women. The mobile coach provided screenings to 1,364 women throughout southcentral Alaska. These breast cancer screenings were made possible by the generous support of Carrs Safeway.

Present at Monday's event were Al Parrish, chief executive of Providence Health & Services Alaska; Bruce Lamoureux, chief operating officer of Providence Health & Services Alaska; Wanda Katinszky, director of the Cancer Center; Paulette Compton, manager of Providence Imaging Center; Susan Ruddy, president of Providence Alaska Foundation; Glenn Peterson, manager of the Safeway Alaska district; and Rob Backus, district manager Denali Division. Speakers discussed how this funding and the partnership between Carrs Safeway and Providence help fight breast cancer in Alaska.

For more information on Safeway Foundation: http://www.safewayfoundation.org/

For more information on Providence Alaska Foundation: www.providence.org/alaska/foundation

Our bodies depend on us - and sometimes we need a reminder to take care of them before something goes wrong. Women who are age 40 and older and have financial need are eligible for a free mammogram at the Providence breast cancer screening.

Take time to schedule your mammogram today and pass this message along to your friends and family. Your body will thank you for it!

Dates: April 26-29, 2010
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Providence Imaging Center, 3340 Providence Drive, Anchorage (in the A Building, on the first floor, on the east end of the Providence Hospital campus, entrance 4)   By appointment only

Eligibility:

• Women who do not have insurance
• Women who have insurance that doesn't cover a mammogram
• Women who have a high insurance deductible

 

Space is limited. Call us today at 212-7966

The Providence Cancer Center is a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which includes three of the top cancer centers in the world, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's.

On November 16, new recommendations were published by the United States Preventive Task Force regarding screening mammography.  We believe that the "new" look at the data draws some mistaken conclusions.  Dr. Denise Farleigh, our medical director, recently went on record to explain how she feels about this recent development, which has caused a firestorm of national reaction.

 

Here is a TV interview with KTUU's Lori Tipton that took place November 24th, and includes the testimonial of a local breast cancer survivor Sheila Reilly, whose cancer was found with a routine screening mammogram she had in her early 40s.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=11570474 

 

Here is an editorial piece from the Anchorage Daily News Compass:  Other points of view that was published on November 26.

One life saved is worth regular breast exams

By DENISE FARLEIGH

Published: November 25th, 2009 09:51 PM
Last Modified: November 25th, 2009 09:51 PM

The United States Preventive Services Task Force issued a chilling announcement on November 16. Newly proposed recommendations from this group -- a government-funded committee with no medical imaging representation -- advises against regular screening mammography for women between the ages of 40 and 49, replaces annual mammography with a mammogram every other year for women 50 to 74, and stops all breast cancer screening for women over the age of 74. Further, the recommendations do not support teaching breast self-examination.

These recommendations for change in the guidelines for screening mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination are in conflict with the facts. Careful review of the considerable literature from numerous clinical trials in the United States and elsewhere confirms that screening mammography reduces mortality from breast cancer as well as the morbidity associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. With screening mammography, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by more than 30 percent since 1990. (The most recent of the clinical trials show a reduction in the death rate of greater than 40 percent, and specifically confirms this benefit for women aged 40-49.) The reduction in the death rate is apparent in all women screened, including women in their 40s as well as older women.

In addition to the dramatic decline in the death rate from breast cancer, less aggressive treatment may be needed for those women with an early diagnosis of breast cancer.

The recommendations from the task force, if followed, could reverse this hard-won reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality, placing large numbers of women at risk for early death from breast cancer.

The task force acknowledges that mammography beginning at age 40 saves lives, just not enough of them. Screening 1,339 women between the ages of 50-59 with mammography saves one life, and the task force finds that reasonable. For women ages 40-49, 1904 screening mammograms are needed for each life saved, and the Task Force states that is not worthwhile. The incidence of breast cancer for women between the ages of 40 and 49 is one in sixty-nine.

The task force focused on the potential "harms" of mammography (including discomfort of the exam, anxiety over positive results and possible over-treatment), stating that these outweigh the greatly decreased number of deaths each year resulting from breast cancer screening. While mammography is not a perfect tool, there are continuing improvements in the technology that add to the accuracy of the test. The benefit of screening mammography far outweighs the limitations.

The American Cancer Society, The American Society of Breast Disease, The Susan Komen Foundation, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The Society of Breast Imaging, The American College of Radiology and the National Cancer Institute, among others, disagree with The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Each of these groups has issued formal statements urging women to continue with the current guidelines.

Alaskans are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, many following a routine screening mammogram. Do yourself a favor and continue to follow the current guidelines:

• Annual clinical breast examination from your health care provider
• Annual screening mammogram, beginning at age 40
• Breast self-examination has the potential to detect palpable breast cancer and should be considered.

Dr. David Moeller, Providence Imaging Center radiologist, shares insights on breast cancer detection with digital mammography.  Mobile mammography with Jackie Hose, RT(M), is also discussed in this interview with Angela Gusty, KTVA reporter, on October 29, 2009.

Dr. Denise Farleigh, MD, is medical director of Providence Imaging Center, in Anchorage, AK, and speaks on the importance of breast cancer screening at an event called "Paint the Rink Pink" held at the Sullivan Arena. Breast self exam, clinical breast exam, and screening mammography are discussed. Emphasis is placed on early detection, as breast cancer caught early is curable. Mobile mammography is also discussed, which makes screening more convenient for many women.

Providence Imaging Center was proud to support Team Pink AK, the only all female Trail Class Irondog team in this year's event.  Here is what they share about themselves:

"I am Issa Otten (pictured left) and my partner is Faby Membrilia (pictured right) and we are Team Pink, the only women's team in the 2009 Tesoro Irondog. And the third all women's team to ever attempt this extreme snowmachine race in 26 years.  We are looking for sponsors and donations to help raise funds for us to race and to raise awareness for breast cancer. A portion of the funds raised will be donated to Breast Cancer Focus Inc, to keep the money in state."

Their race began Friday, Feb 6, in Wasilla and was to culminate more than 1,000 miles later, in Nome .  Unfortunately, their trek was cut short in Ruby and they were not able to complete the race.  For more information about Team Pink, and more details of their IronDog experience, visit their Website.

Dr. Denise Farleigh's interview is detailed on the KTUU Channel 2 Web site. She speaks frankly about the importance of screening mammography even when no lump is felt, and some common myths about breast cancer. To view the online transcript, click here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month CARRS/Safeway will host the Providence Imaging Center Mobile Mammography Coach at several of their Anchorage locations - Abbott, Aurora Village, Northway Mall, Sears and Muldoon.

 

Saturday, October 7,   9 a.m. - 5 p.m. , at CARRS Abbott

Monday, October 9,     9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at CARRS Aurora

Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at CARRS Northway

Friday, October 27, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at CARRS Sears

Monday, October 30,   9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at CARRS Muldoon

PIC's Digital Mobile Mammography screening is applicable if you are a woman age 40 years or older without specific breast concerns.  Screening mammography is NOT applicable if:

• You are pregnant or have breastfed within the last year
• You have symptoms such as a dominant lump/mass/lesion or nipple discharge that is clear or bloody
• You have a personal history of breast cancer
• You have had a stereo or ultrasound-guided biopsy in the past year
• You are due for special follow-up for a recent abnormal mammogram

Please note that we need the name of your healthcare provider to send the results to.  If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Providence Physician Referral line at (907) 212-4900.

Call us at 212-3151 today to set up your appointment at one of these sites. Special grant funding is available for uninsured or underinsured women.

CARRS/Safeway and Providence Imaging Center:  Partnering together because early detection saves lives.

Dr. Farleigh discusses the latest diagnostic imaging technologies for breast cancer with Thad Woodard on this popular show (13.3 MB download).  This is a large file that should open in a separate window, so please be patient.