ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- This year more than 250,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and this deadly disease will claim the lives of more than 40,000 friends, neighbors, mothers and daughters.

These are staggering statistics, but the good news is that U.S. breast cancer death rates are decreasing. According to the American Cancer Society, this decline is largely attributed to the benefits of annual mammograms that enable physicians to detect cancer at an early stage, and improved treatment programs that help patients better manage their cancer.

Both digital and film-based mammography can help identify breast cancer in women who may have no obvious signs of the disease. Historically, mammograms have been conducted using medical x-ray film. Now, powerful new digital imaging technologies are emerging that offer a complementary method for early detection of breast cancer.


The arrival of new digital technology can cause some patients to wait it out until their healthcare provider installs digital imaging systems. But the advice from physicians appears to be overwhelming: Do not wait for the latest digital technology. Digital technologies show great promise in helping to detect breast cancer in certain patients, said Dr. John M. Lewin, Diversified Radiology of Colorado, a leader in providing technologically advanced radiology imaging. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering relaxing guidelines that may make it easier for manufacturers of digital mammography systems to bring new products to market faster.

Kodak currently markets a digital mammography system for use in Europe, Latin America, Asia and other parts of the world. Kodak has applied to the FDA for approval to market its new system in the United States, and the company is conducting clinical trials of this system in the U.S. and Canada. Our award winning KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR Mammography Feature is designed to provide U.S. and Canadian healthcare professionals and patients with a digital solution to aid in the fight against breast cancer, once we receive approval from FDA and from Health Canada, said Dina Vazzana, General Manager, Mammography Solutions, Kodaks Health Group.

The American Cancer Society continues to recommend the importance of mammograms as a highly effective tool in the detection of breast cancer. Given the benefits and improvements in both digital and film technology, there is more reason now than ever before to encourage mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends to have an annual mammogram.

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