GE Healthcare said August 22 that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its new mobile mammography product, the mobile Senographe Essential. According to GE, the new unit features the largest digital detector in the mammography market, advanced ergonomic design for the technologist, optimized patient comfort, and seamless workflow connectivity.
GE officials say the new mobile unit will bring mammography to women who might not otherwise have access to the modality. A study published in May 2007 by the National Cancer Institute found that use of mammography screening had dropped 4% from 2000 to 2005. In 2005, only 70% of women surveyed for the study reported getting an annual mammogram. During the same time period, among women ages 50 to 64—the group most at risk for breast cancer—screening was down 7%, from 79% to 72%.
According to the American Cancer Society, mammography rates in Washington state are also below the national average. In a 2005-2006 study, only 56.3% of women 40 to 64 were screened. The national average was 60.5%.
Among the first to use the mobile unit will be Connie Lehman, M.D., Ph.D., director of radiology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and professor and vice chair of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Using a van paid for by the Seattle division of Safeway Inc., Dr. Lehman will hold breast-screening clinics throughout Seattle, eventually scheduling visits to cities throughout western Washington.
October 2007 - Table of Contents
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