Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Feb 1: Founder and president of White Doves, Corrine Rasquinha inaugurated a digital mammogram here at KMC, Attavar on Wednesday February 1. The programme was organized by the department of radiology here.
The mammography project as a part of centre of excellence for woman health is supported by endowment fund from KMC Mangaluru 1982-87 MBBS batch and matching grant from Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Addressing the gathering, Corrine Rasquinha said, “Cancer is a global problem which is leading to many death. Now we have quality cancer care and many are well treated so that the cancer patients cure at the earliest. Today, a digital mammography has been inaugurated here. Screening is an important element for early detection. I have successfully battled cancer in the year 2009 with the care of doctors, timely treatment and prayers. Doctor’s is a noble profession. They are the Gods who come to save our lives.”
Pro-vice chancellor MAHE (Mangaluru Campus) Dr Dilip G Nayak said, “I am glad that the MBBS batch of 1982-87 has come forward to contribute to their alma mater. Alumni are the integral part of any institution. We are connecting with the alumni across the globe and can see 30% of the alumni contribute to their institutions.”
Dr Vinaya Poornima briefing about the digital mammogram said, “It is quick and there is less radiation. We can zoom in the picture without losing the details. If we detect cancer early, then it is 97% curable. There are two types of mammography, screening and diagnostic mammography. Screening is very essential to detect the cancer at the earliest. After the age of 40, screening has to be done once in a year.
“Digital mammography is a specialized form of mammography that uses digital receptors and computers instead of x-ray film to help examine breast tissue for breast cancer. Digital images are captured electronically and can be viewed on a computer. The brightness and contrast can be adjusted and enhanced to better reveal abnormalities. Digital mammography allows low radiation examinations of patient and benefits the radiographer by reducing exposure to scattered radiation. The older systems were analog machines. Analog mammography uses film. After obtaining the image, you need a CR reader to convert the image into a digital one. As a result, it takes a longer time to receive the image. Analog images are less detailed than their digital counterparts. The services of the latest advanced technology of digital mammography in KMC hospital Attavar will enable the department to provide affordable and quality services for both screening and diagnostics of breast imaging in woman. We recommend all woman above 40 years of age to undergo regular clinical examination and mammography screening. Some research show mammography can show changes in the breast up to two years before a physician can feel them,” she said.
Dean KMC Mangaluru Dr B Unnikrishnan, Medical superintendent KMC Hospital Attavar Dr John Ramapuram, chief operating officer teaching hospitals MAHE, Manipal Dr Anand Venugopal, associate dean Dr Pramod Kumar and others were present.
HOD department of radiology Dr Santhosh Rai welcomed the gathering, Dr Suprasanna rendered the vote of thanks and Dr Sonali Ullal compered the event.