A $1.5 million gift to Community Health System will provide doctors with a better tool to identify and treat breast cancer sooner.

The money will go to upgrade 3D digital mammography machines at Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno and Clovis Community Hospital.

The new machines will be able to offer contrast-enhanced mammograms that detect hidden cancers. In addition, this tool makes it easier to identify cancers in denser breast tissue.

“With this innovative technology, cancer can be found and treated sooner,” Community Health System said in a news release.

CHS is one of only three hospital systems in the state with this technology, and the only one in the Central Valley.

“Patients in need of this type of advanced breast imaging will no longer have to travel outside the Valley,” said Katie Zenovich, senior vice president of development and external affairs for CHS. “They can now receive the care they need close to home.”

Donors Include Community Employees, Valley Pink Patch Campaign

Money for the technology came from a variety of donors:

• Living Legacy Foundation
• Radin Foundation
• Physician Network Advantage
• Community’s President’s Club
• Valley Pink Patch fundraiser
• Employee contributions

Cancer Detection Rate Higher in Contrast-Enhanced Mammography

Contrast-enhanced imaging provides a better detection rate for cancer, according to densebreast-info.org. In a study of 904 women at elevated risk for breast cancer, the cancer detection rate was 15.5/1000 compared to 8.8/1000 with standard imaging.

Compared to MRI, contrast-enhanced imaging shows the same or nearly the same detection rates, but at a lower cost. The procedure may only take 10 minutes, compared to the 30 to 40 minutes required for a breast MRI, the website stated.

Contrast-enhanced imaging is also tolerated better by those with claustrophobia or metallic implants.