BENDIGO'S breast screen technology is set to be enhanced by a new digital mammography unit.
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Bendigo Radiology has invested $350,000 in the new technology which will be available at its St John of God Hospital branch.
Consultant radiologist Jill Wilkie described the equipment as breast screening and imaging on offer.
"A series of low-dose X-rays are taken and, instead of taking a two dimensional image of the breast, we now get lots and lots of little slices," she said.
"Because of that we get a much better idea of whether or not there's breast cancer or not.
"The sensitivity is much higher and for things we might have used to look at in biopsy, we might not need to biopsy."
The technology provided 2D mammography along with stereotaxis biopsy and needle localisation and breast tomosynthesis capabilities.
Breast tomosynthesis is the most up-to-date breast Imaging technology available and increases sensitivity in breast cancer detection.
Tomography acquisition can be performed simultaneously with the normal 2D Mammography taking between 15-20 seconds and serves as an extension to the current 2D image set.
The unit will be installed next month.
"Not many places have them so it's great we're getting one," Dr Wilkie said.
"It's very exciting."
Meanwhile, the Bendigo Advertiser reported earlier this year new ultrasound machines at Bendigo Radiology were further eliminating the need for people living in rural and regional areas to travel to Melbourne for medical treatment. The EPIQ ultrasound machines boast state-of-the-art technology and will improve the quality of each scan.