Edward Breast Imaging Expert Lauds Swedish Mammography Study

NAPERVILLE, Ill., July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "Mammography saves lives – period."  That's how Darius Gilvydis, MD, diagnostic radiologist with Naperville Radiologists and co-Medical Director of Breast Imaging at Edward Hospital, sums up the recently announced results of a Swedish mammography study.

The study, which lasted 29 years, showed the use of mammography screening reduced deaths from breast cancer by at least 30%, an even greater extent than previously believed.

"We have known for a long time that mammography saves women's lives," says Dr. Gilvydis.  "The great news is that we learn mammography is an even more powerful diagnostic and lifesaving tool than we thought." 

The results of the Swedish study, the longest ever conducted on the impact of mammography, counters a controversial 2009 U.S. government study which recommended that most women under 50 did not need routine mammograms.  The majority of the medical community rejected the study's findings, which were later retracted.

Dr. Gilvydis says the Swedish study is a milestone event in the fight against breast cancer.

"While we still cannot know or predict with certainty which women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, we do know that if a woman who undergoes routine screening mammography is subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer, she has a much better chance at survival with less complications.  This is because the cancer is most likely found at a smaller size before spreading beyond the breast."

The bottom line for women over 40, according to Dr. Gilvydis, is that they should perform monthly self-examinations and have a mammogram every year, the use of which are the primary causes behind a significant drop in mortality from breast cancer over the past 20 years.

"If you were receiving a yearly mammogram after 40, continue to do so, it is proven to save lives.  If you were not receiving yearly mammograms after 40, speak to your doctor and make an appointment to have a digital mammogram."

Edward is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and has full accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).  Comprehensive care at Edward's Breast Center features a full range of state-of-the-art services, including digital mammography at six locations in the region and a weekly Breast Cancer Conference, which uses a multidisciplinary team approach to determine the best treatment plan for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.  For more information, visit www.edward.org/breasthealth.  To learn more about your risk for breast cancer, complete a free, online assessment at www.edward.org/breastaware.  To schedule a digital mammogram, call (630) 527-3200.

SOURCE Edward Hospital

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