Hospital's breast center receives technology donation from Fuji
Officials say new equipment can save lives

Simi Valley Hospital and the Nancy Reagan Breast Center recognize Fuji's donation of digital mammography technology in celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"This new technology donated by Fuji is anticipated to be up and running by midNovember," said Jeremy Brewer, hospital spokesperson. "We are truly grateful for the donation from Fuji that translates to about $300,000 worth of lifesaving technology. This generous gift from Fuji will help further the mission of the Nancy Reagan Breast Center to save women's lives and safeguard women from breast cancer."

The donated technology includes a digital mammography reader for $250,000 and a laser printer at $50,000 that will soon be fully integrated into a $1.7million tandem system called computerized radiology and picture archive computer system. The technology will digitize Xrays, mammograms and other imaging techniques previously in film format.

A study has shown that digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts.

The procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; however, digital images are available almost immediately and no film development time is needed.