Baptist Health Paducah now offers breakthrough technology in breast cancer diagnostics

PADUCAH, KY (Aug. 8, 2024) - Baptist Health Paducah is excited to announce that it is the first hospital in the region between Nashville and St. Louis to offer contrast enhanced mammography (CEM), the latest breakthrough technology in early breast cancer diagnostics. This innovative technology will improve diagnosis rates among women with dense breasts and may serve as an alternative to breast MRI.

Breast cancer continues to be the leading cancer affecting women, making early detection key. Mammograms have been proven to decrease mortality rates, and the addition of contrast enhanced mammography will further reduce the number of later-staged cancers. CEM is specifically designed to detect cancers that may not be visible on a traditional mammogram or ultrasound, enhancing accuracy and improving diagnostic outcomes.

Unlike a traditional mammogram, CEM utilizes iodinated contrast, which is injected through an IV. The contrast flows into the breast tissue, highlighting areas of interest, similar to a highlighter marker emphasizing specific words on a page. This allows radiologists to obtain different views of any area of concern, providing a comprehensive evaluation.

Dr. Allison Simons, a board-certified and breast fellowship-trained radiologist at Baptist Health Paducah is excited about the significance of this new technology. "Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer, and about half of all women have dense breasts. Contrast enhanced mammography is just another tool in our toolbox for detecting breast cancer. This new technology will increase radiologists' confidence about mammogram findings and may decrease the number of breast biopsies."

CEM offers several benefits, including:

• A more accurate reading for women with dense breasts
• The ability to detect breast cancer findings that may not be seen on a traditional mammogram.
• Provides radiologists with additional information when determining the need for a biopsy.
• Option for women who have an implanted device or other conditions that prevent them from undergoing a breast MRI.

“Baptist Health Paducah remains committed to providing the highest quality care and the latest advancements in breast cancer diagnostics. With the introduction of contrast enhanced mammography, the hospital continues to prioritize early detection and improved outcomes for women in the region,” said Simons.

To determine if you are a candidate for CEM, talk with your healthcare provider. Patients will need a provider's order for a contrast enhanced mammogram. To schedule your screening mammogram, please contact the Baptist Imaging Center at 270.575.2662, option 2.