Upgraded mammography technology provides more comfort and clarity

Mindy Coates’ mother went 10 years between mammograms because they hurt too much. She finally relented when Mindy, a mammography technologist at the time, agreed to conduct her mother’s exam personally.

NKC Health Imaging recently upgraded its technology to make mammograms easier and more comfortable for women. Four new Selenia® 3Dimensions™ high-resolution mammography systems now serve patients at both Gashland and building 2790 on the NKC Health hospital campus.

“Every new generation of mammography equipment is engineered to be easier on patients,” said Carl Van Tasell, MD, with Northland Radiology. “Softer edges and improved materials reduce skin pulling, and advances in power mean we don’t need as much compression to get high-quality images. Patients benefit from both greater comfort and better results.”

The upgraded technology gives radiologists clearer images that improve visibility through dense breast tissue. This allows them to detect smaller lesions and reduce unnecessary callbacks for additional imaging. 

“I think about what it feels like for a patient to get that letter or phone call, and how many sleepless nights they may face before finding answers,” Dr. Van Tasell said. “Thankfully, the new machines deliver clearer, more detailed images, which helps us detect cancers earlier and distinguish them from noncancerous findings, often sparing patients from unnecessary biopsies or extra testing.”

Experience brings comfort, too. Several team members have worked in mammography for more than 30 years, refining the small touches that help patients feel at ease. Exams are scheduled every 30 minutes, so technologists see many patients each day and draw on decades of expertise to make the process easier. 

“Our team brings decades of experience in mammography,” said Mindy, now supervisor of radiology operations. “When I worked directly with patients, I always told them, ‘Let me know how you’re feeling. If it gets too uncomfortable, we’ll adjust.’ We want you to feel comfortable and will work with you to get the best images for your doctor.”

Many women come with friends or family members, turning mammogram appointments into a way to support and remind each other. When life gets busy with family, careers, and commitments, health can take a back seat. Scheduling together makes it easier to keep up with yearly screenings. 

“Mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening,” Mindy said. “We’re catching cancers earlier than ever, and with the advances in treatment, more women are surviving and living full lives.”

Schedule your mammogram today.