SmartCurve reduces discomfort during 3D mammographies

The SmartCurve system is available exclusively with Hologic's Genius 3D Mammography exam, the only mammogram that detects more invasive cancers, reduces false positives, and is FDA approved as superior to conventional 2D mammography for all women, including those with dense breasts.

For years, women have reported avoiding regular mammograms due in large part to the fear of discomfort associated with breast compression. In fact, a recent survey of 10,000 women found that fear of physical discomfort was the top reason cited for avoiding a mammogram by women who never had one.

With this in mind, Hologic's research and development team, led by Tracy Accardi, Global Vice President of Research and Development, set out to reduce breast pain without compromising image quality or exam accuracy.

"As a woman, I know firsthand that all too often, annual mammograms are considered a necessary evil. We understand the critical role the exam plays in the early detection of breast cancer, but we know how uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, the exam can be," said Accardi.

"The associated anxiety causes many women to avoid or delay this potentially life-saving exam, something we set out to change when developing the first-of-its-kind SmartCurve system."

Breast pain experienced during a mammogram is directly related to the time spent under compression and the pressure distribution on the breast, two factors that must be addressed to improve the mammography experience. The SmartCurve system features a proprietary curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman's breast to reduce pinching and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast. The system also features proprietary image processing algorithms that ensure the preservation of image quality and accuracy. The SmartCurve system, combined with the fastest 3D mammogram available, makes the Genius exam the obvious choice for women wanting a more accurate exam that is also more comfortable.

In a recent clinical study comparing the SmartCurve breast stabilisation system to traditional flat paddle compression, the SmartCurve system improved comfort in 93% of women who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression. In addition, 95% of those surveyed would recommend facilities that use the system.1 The system includes options to accommodate a majority of women and breast sizes, and can be used with Hologic's MammoPad® breast cushion for even greater comfort.

In addition to providing women with increased comfort and the accuracy they have come to expect from the Genius exam, the SmartCurve system's image processing algorithm ensures there is no change in positioning or workflow for radiologists and technologists administering the exam. Clinicians can feel confident they are offering patients an improved experience while maintaining efficiency within their facilities.

"Hologic is the world leader in breast cancer screening technology, and with that leadership comes a responsibility to develop products that provide optimal patient satisfaction without sacrificing clinical performance," said Pete Valenti, Hologic's Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions. "We are thrilled to introduce the new SmartCurve system which, when used with the Genius exam, is the first and only 3D mammography system that is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable and more accurate mammogram, compared to 2D mammography alone. This game-changing product is yet another example of our dedication to innovation designed to meet the needs of our customers and their patients."

Hologic's Genius exam is the only mammogram clinically proven to detect 20 to 65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D mammography alone. It also reduces unnecessary callbacks and is the only mammogram FDA approved as superior to conventional 2D mammography for women with dense breasts.3-4

Sheryl Crow, Genius exam spokeswoman, said, "I've already been telling women that the Genius exam is the best option for their annual screening. Now that it's also a more comfortable exam thanks to the SmartCurve system, I'm urging women everywhere to stop making excuses and ask their doctors about the Genius exam today."

The SmartCurve system is available standard on Hologic's new 3Dimensions mammography system and as an enhancement option to existing Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® systems.

The Genius 3D Mammography exam is only available on a Hologic® 3D Mammography system. The exam consists of a 2D and 3D image set, where the 2D image can be either an acquired 2D image or a 2D image generated from the 3D image set. There are more than 4,000 Hologic 3D Mammography systems in use in the U.S., so women have convenient access to the Genius exam. To learn more about the Genius exam, visit http://www.Genius3DNearMe.com.