Each year, 8.9 million people across the globe are diagnosed with dangerously significant bone loss—a condition called osteoporosis. The majority of these people don’t find out about their condition until after they’ve experienced an osteoporotic fracture. And according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one of those fractures happens approximately once every three seconds.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – June 1, 2017 – In conjunction with its radiology partners, Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg is pleased to announce that it is expanding the availability of 3D mammograms in our region to make this powerful detection tool available to more women. New 3D Mammography equipment has now been been installed at Lee’s Hill.
The new center will be adjacent to the imaging group’s Medical Imaging Center of North Stafford, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing advanced imaging services to northern Stafford and southern Prince William counties.
Women’s imaging services exist to help women own their health. From screening services to interventional procedures, these five services help you stay healthy and take control of your health.
When we think of women’s imaging, we most often think of mammograms. A mammogram remains one of the primary tools in the fight against breast cancer.
A bone density scan makes all the difference in preventing complications due to osteoporosis. It’s the only scan that can detect osteoporosis before a break or fracture occurs. This allows doctors to treat osteoporosis in a way that could prevent a fracture.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include,
When it comes to mammograms, there’s a new technology in town and it shows great promise in early breast cancer detection. 3D mammograms are becoming a wide-spread tool in combating breast cancer. Approved in 2011 by the FDA, 3D mammograms’ radiation exposure is only slightly higher than the regular 2D mammogram, and takes about the same amount of time.
Post-menopause can be a drastic adjustment for many women. Your body has undergone a significant physical change. With that come certain increased risks due to a sharp decrease in your estrogen and other hormones. Some women may choose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to deal with menopausal symptoms and health risks, although HRT itself can increase the risk of certain diseases.
If you’re a post-menopausal woman, you should ask your doctor about a DEXA Scan. A DEXA Scan is a test to measure bone density. DEXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry and is also sometimes referred to as Bone Densitometry. It helps your doctor diagnose or predict your risk of developing osteoporosis using low-dose x-rays, and can also help predict your risk for bone fractures.
To raise awareness about breast cancer, this month Washington Heritage Museums and the Imaging Center for Women, are encouraging community members to participate in the “Mary’s Ribbons, Tie One On” event. Remember, honor and encourage others to get annual mammograms beginning at age 40, by tying a ribbon on the white fence outside the Mary Washington House.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year this month serves as a way to increase awareness about breast cancer, raise money for research, and educate women on early detection. In October, women everywhere, and the families of those suffering from breast cancer will wear pink, walk, fund raise, and participate in a variety of events designed to support those fighting the illness.