Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Now Offers 3D Mammography, the Most Advanced Technology in Breast Cancer Detection

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has announced that it will offer 3D mammography, the latest and most advanced technology in breast cancer screenings and detection, at the Sanofi US Breast Care Program in the Steeplechase Cancer Center, located at 30 Rehill Avenue in Somerville, beginning June 15.

As the second leading cause of cancer death, it is estimated that there will be more than 231,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the United States this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society, but with advancements in treatment and the widespread use of screenings, there have been significant reductions in breast cancer death rates.

Traditional mammography is only two dimensional, taking images of the breast from two angles. 3D mammogram, also known as a digital breast tomosynthesis exam, moves in an arc over the breasts to capture multiple images of the breast from various angles that create a clear, 3D reconstruction of the breast, which allows radiologists to examine the patient’s breast tissue in far greater detail. The 3D mammogram picks up invasive tumors and abnormalities more easily, increases accuracy, avoids false alarms and detects breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is the most treatable.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over 40 get an annual mammogram and 3D mammograms are currently the most advanced and accurate procedure available. Breast tomosynthesis allows the physicians to see lesions with clarity like never before, and distortions and asymmetric densities are better visualized using this technology.

“Mammograms are not only extremely important as the first step to early detection, but also are the entry point into the overall breast health service line,” said Myra Wedmid, MD, a board-certified radiologist and co-director of the Sanofi US Breast Care Program at the Steeplechase Cancer Center. “Therefore, we want to have the best technology available for our patients to improve outcomes. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital provides our patients with the best care possible, all while being in a comforting and convenient location. Not only do we provide a friendly and welcoming stand-alone facility dedicated solely to breast care, but we now have the latest in breast screening technology – the 3D Mammogram, that allows radiologists to see the tissue in much more detail than the conventional flat image of a 2D mammogram.”

The facility has a very calming environment with soothing colors, and attractive décor to make patients feel comfortable and at ease. From warm, terrycloth robes to individual private waiting areas, the Breast Care Program is specially designed to ensure comfort and privacy for patients. The program has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and is accredited by the National Accreditation program for Breast Centers. The Steeplechase Cancer Center offers a full range of outpatient cancer services, including women’s imaging, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, lung cancer screening, a smoking cessation program and psycho-social services. The Sanofi US Breast Cancer Program also offers breast health services such as breast ultrasound, breast biopsy with stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, MRI scans and MRI guided breast biopsy and DXA scanning for detection of osteoporosis.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for a 3D mammogram at The Sanofi US Breast Care Program in the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJ Somerset, please call 908-704-3740.

To learn more about the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, please visit www.rwjuh.edu. For a referral to a physician affiliated with RWJUH, please call 1-888-MD-RWJUH. Follow us on Twitter at www.rwjuh.edu/twitter and Facebook at www.rwjuh.edu/facebook.

About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Health System

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is the flagship hospital of Robert Wood Johnson Health System – New Jersey’s premier health system which boasts three acute care hospitals: RWJUH in New Brunswick and Somerville; RWJUH- Hamilton and RWJUH- Rahway and a national leader in pediatric rehabilitation: Children’s Specialized Hospital, as well as five fitness and wellness centers and numerous outpatient facilities. Through RWJ Health System, patients have access to exceptional women’s and children’s services and expert cancer, cardiac, emergency, neurology, stroke, trauma and pediatric rehabilitation care in addition to comprehensive health and wellness programs.

RWJUH is a 965-bed academic medical center with campuses in New Brunswick and Somerville, NJ. Its Centers of Excellence include cardiovascular care from minimally invasive heart surgery to transplantation, cancer care, stroke care, neuroscience, joint replacement, and women’s and children’s care including The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (www.bmsch.org). As the flagship Cancer Hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the principal teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, RWJUH is an innovative leader in advancing state-of-the-art care. A Level 1 Trauma Center and the only Pediatric Trauma Center in the state, RWJUH’s New Brunswick campus serves as a national resource in its ground-breaking approaches to emergency preparedness.

RWJUH has been ranked among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report seven times and has been selected by the publication as a high performing hospital in numerous specialties. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital has been ranked among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years.

Both the New Brunswick and Somerset campuses have earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety, including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence, an “A” patient safety rating from the Leapfrog Group and “Most Wired” designation by Hospitals and Health Networks Magazine. The Joint Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services have designated the New Brunswick Campus as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and the Somerset Campus as a Primary Stroke Center.

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer has rated RWJUH New Brunswick among the nation’s best comprehensive cancer centers and designated the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJ Somerset as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. The Joint Surgery Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total knee and total hip replacement surgery.

For more Information visit us online at www.rwjuh.edu.