All screening mammograms taken at PMHC are double-checked by the R2 ImageChecker, a computer-aided detection (CAD) system that detects 23 percent more breast cancers than mammography alone. The ImageChecker, is the first FDA approved CAD system for screening mammography. It uses special technology to help radiologists take a closer look for suspicious features that may be associated with cancer.

What are the benefits of the ImageChecker?

• With the new ImageChecker doctors are able to detect early cancers up to 23% more often than without this technology.
• The greater reduction in false-negatives, or cancers that go undetected early can provide a greater peace of mind for patients coming in for a yearly screening mammogram.
• With the ImageChecker providing a significantly higher detection rate than ever before, patients can receive treatment earlier and have a higher survival rate in the fight against breast cancer.

How does the Image Checker work?

• The device takes a regular x-ray image from a mammogram, runs it through a computer to create a digital image that can be scanned for abnormalities.
• The ImageChecker highlights all suspect areas, including lumps and calcified areas that are typical indicators of breast cancer.
The radiologist can then compare the computer-marked image to the x-ray they originally examined.

Although the machine cannot replace the radiologist, it can detect a cancerous area that would not have originally been found for some time.