Within the approved mammography screening program, 80 regional units which may include mobile solutions as well have been equipped in Germany since 2004 in accordance with the requirements of the European Guidelines. In parallel to this effort, area-wide central screening centers are established which plan additional examinations in case of positive or ambiguous diagnostic findings. When suspecting a malignancy, a separate patient discussion is held or additional, more extensive clarification diagnostics are applied.

Mammomat Novation by Siemens works with the newest full field detector technology based on amorphous selenium (a-Se). A photo conductor, which converts X-rays directly into electrical signals, avoids scattered radiation effects that may occur with other technologies and compromise image quality. A large detector surface (24 x 29 cm) ensures that not more than one exposure is necessary even for larger breasts and that the entire breast including the pectoral muscle is displayed. A new compression plate enables central positioning of the breast in all projections without cumbersome readjustments of the X-ray arm. And the Opcomp function ensures low-pain examinations. During the examination, this function ensures that only the pressure required for optimal digital imaging is applied to the breast.


The comprehensive system solution for digital mammography is supplemented by a dedicated acquisition workstation as well as the reporting station syngo MammoReport. A new case (up to eight mammograms) is selected with syngo MammoReport in less than a second. Also earlier reports or evaluations acquired with other modalities can be displayed quickly and effectively.

We are glad to hear that digital mammography is now mobile as well and provides women in rural communities with regular early breast cancer screening using a new technology, explained Holger Schmidt, head of the Special Products Division at Siemens Medical Solutions.

Breast cancer continues to be the most frequent cause of death for women between 40 and 60 years of age. In Germany, 48,000 women per year are diagnosed with breast cancer, of these 17,000 will succumb to the disease. However, according to statements made by the president of EUROPA DONNA, the European Coalition against Breast Cancer, and Karin Jns, congresswoman of the European Parliament, 90 percent of all breast cancer cases can be cured when diagnosed early and treated correctly.

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the worlds largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Employing approximately 33.000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.6 billion EUR and group profit of 1 billion EUR for fiscal 2005. Further information can be found under: http://www.siemens.com/medical

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