Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center Offering 3D Mammograms

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

SALINAS, CA, August 9, 2018 – Salinas Valley Health is offering Genius 3D Mammography Exams at the Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center. It is well documented that an early breast cancer diagnosis can save lives and 3D mammography exams are an advanced tool for early breast cancer detection. The FDA approved Genius 3D Mammography exam features a three-dimensional method of imaging allowing radiologists to more quickly and accurately determine if cancer exists in breast tissue. This mammography exam is especially recommended for women with high breast density.

“We are committed to investing in exceptional patient care and this equipment offers the most advanced technology for mammography,” says Pete Delgado, President/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “Clearly the dedication and expertise of our staff at the Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center also greatly benefits our patients.”

The Genius 3D exam also known as tomosynthesis takes x-ray images of the breast tissue. Its arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images while compressing the breast. A computer then converts the images in to a stack of thin layers allowing the radiologist to view the breast tissue a layer at a time. In conventional 2D exams, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal.

“This exam is increasing the detection of breast cancer at an early stage,” says Amy Lantis Stemerman, MD, Medical Director of the Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center. “As a physician I’m grateful to the hospital leadership and Board who provide extraordinary support.”

The findings of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on breast cancer screening using the Genius 3D exam concluded there was:

• A 41% increase in the detection of invasive cancers
• A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers
• A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging

The Genius 3D mammography exam is also more comfortable for women. Curved compression surface paddles mirroring the shape of a woman’s breast makes mammograms more comfortable. The curved surface applies uniform compression over the entire breast and enhances quality of the image.

The Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center has experienced radiologists, nurses, sonographers and mammography technologists. State of the art technology also includes digital mammography with computer aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic (computer-aided) biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, and bone density scanner. The center also offers a private spa like waiting area where women can sip hot coffee or tea, listen to relaxing music while watching a nature video. Our patients can also relax in the garden setting with fountain. A medical referral is necessary.

The Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center is located at 240 San Jose Street in Salinas across the street from the ER entrance to Salinas Valley Health Medical Center.

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About Salinas Valley Health
Salinas Valley Health (Salinas Valley Health) is an integrated network of health care programs, services and facilities. At the core of the System is an acute care, public district hospital licensed for 263 beds. Several distinct specializations and programs at Salinas Valley Health include the Regional Heart Program, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit operated in partnership with Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Joint Replacement Center, Regional Spine Center and Sleep Medicine Center. Salinas Valley Memorial features advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, including the Salinas Valley Health Advanced Imaging and the Salinas Valley Health Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center. Salinas Valley Memorial employs more than 1,800 people; its medical staff includes more than 300 board-certified physicians across a range of specialties. For more information, visit www.svmh.com