• Hospital raises the bar for women’s healthcare in rural communities.
Provided by Star Valley Health
AFTON, WY –January 8, 2023 – Star Valley Health recently enhanced its MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system offerings to provide sophisticated breast imaging capabilities aimed at detecting more breast cancers earlier.
Star Valley’s next-generation Echelon Oval 1.5T MRI system is now equipped with technology that can be used as an additional test on women who have a high risk of breast cancer or whose screening mammograms showed suspicious findings.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, and approximately one in 39 will die from the disease. “At Star Valley Health, our mission is to deliver high-quality care close to home and support individuals in achieving their best health,” said Terry Lemon, Directory of Radiology at Star Valley Health. “Our recent investment means we can now provide women who need it with an additional imaging technology that literally saves lives—right in their own backyard.”
Mammography remains the “gold standard” when it comes to routine annual screenings for women aged 40 and older. However, according to the American Cancer Society, breast MRI may also be recommended as an additional screening tool based on specific clinical and individual risk factors such as:
To screen for breast cancer in women who have a higher lifetime risk for getting the disease.
To examine breasts in patients with specific breast cancer symptoms.
To help determine the extent of existing breast cancer tumor(s) for treatment planning.
To check for silicone breast implant leaks.
The Echelon Oval 1.5T MRI is designed to deliver exceptional quality diagnostic images while also prioritizing patient comfort. For example, the Echelon Oval features a widest opening with a wide patient table. These features alleviate patient anxiety and help keep patients comfortable during exams.
Star Valley Health mammography staff carefully explain to women the procedure before to undergoing the scan and remain in close proximity throughout the exam. The exam lasts around 30 minutes, and a highly skilled MRI technologist runs the MRI machine, creating several sets of detailed images from the control room.
“We are delighted to partner with Star Valley Health to bring next-generation imaging to women who otherwise would need to travel approximately 70 miles for a breast MRI,” said Shawn Etheridge, executive director of modality solutions, at FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. “It is our sincere hope that our innovative technology will be a game changer for women in Star Valley, helping to spot cancers sooner in cases that warrant an additional tool beyond screening mammography.”
Physicians and patients interested in learning if a breast MRI exam is the right next step should visit with their healthcare provider or contact Crystal DeCora at 307-885-5940 to confidentially discuss options.
