Radiology

Fujifilm Showcases Digital Mammography

Fujifilm also supports the pink ribbon campaign in Japan, which appeals the importance of early detection of breast cancer

To celebrate the spirit of women's day, Fujifilm Corporation organised a seminar in Chennai to spread awareness about breast cancer in India. Dr SK Ramani, MD, Additional Professor & Assistant Radiologist, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai chaired the seminar. Dr Ramani highlighted the significance of mammography in his presentation and focused on the merits of digital mammography for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Kenichi Tanaka, Managing Director, Fujifilm India and Miyuki Iizuka, Mammography Specialist from Fujifilm Tokyo, also participated in the seminar.

Mammography is a special type of X-ray imaging used to create a detailed image of the breast. Mammography plays a vital role in early diagnosis of breast cancer, which increases the chances of breast conservation and cure. Each year, 80,000 women in India get breast cancer and 35,000 die of breast cancer. One in every in 60 rural women and one in 30 urban women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the second most common cancer after cancer of cervix.

According to Dr SS Doda, Former President, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA), "With the change in scenario in our lifestyles and the increase in urbanisation, there may soon be a need for widespread mammography screening programme in our country so as to save our women from breast cancer by early detection and cure."

Mammography is the only method which is scientifically validated as a screening test for early detection of breast cancer. According to Dr Ramani, "Digital mammography has taken its place in radiology. There are operational advantages and true advantages of diagnostic ability. Digital storage and transmission eliminates the risk of lost films and eventually eliminates the need for maintaining a film library. It reduces the variability in contrast, dose and exposure time associated with film emulsion and processing." Fujifilm has contributed in maintaining and promoting human health through developing FCR mammography systems and other leading-edge products. FCR Mammography Suite has FDA approval. Also, FCR has been approved by National Health Service (NHS), UK, as the only CR mammography system to meet the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services (EUREF) guidelines. To spread awareness about breast cancer, Fujifilm also supports the pink ribbon campaign in Japan, which appeals the importance of early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment for breast cancer.

EH News Bureau