3D Breast Imaging catches Cancer early

On Monday 19th August we launched the digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) which will provide 3-D mammography at Darent Valley Hospital, allowing clinical staff to view breast tissue in greater detail. It is an advanced form of mammography - a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

The equipment will quickly allay fears if a suspected lump is accurately diagnosed as benign and speed up the process - reducing the need for more intrusive investigations before surgery if cancerous cells are detected.

“ The conventional x-ray examination of the breast, called a mammogram, is two-dimensional: two x-ray images are taken of the breast, while it is compressed - which may cause overlapping of the breast tissue. In breast tomosynthesis, the x-ray tube moves in an arc capturing multiple images of each breast from different angles, helping minimize the tissue overlap. ”

Consultant Seema Seetharam

The £74k incredible piece of software was purchased thanks to money raised through Valley Hospital Charity’s Cancer Fighting Fund.

We really couldn’t have raised such a fantastic amount of money without the support of our fundraisers, in particular Judith Yarnold, Michele Rodford, David Harbud through his wife Julie Harbud’s Tribute Fund and this year’s Ride4Life Team who rode to Amsterdam, represented by Charlotte Pinder and Lee Rumble who took part and the Head of Business Development Derek Parker from Artic Building Services who helped sponsor the bike ride.

Support of Valley Hospital Charity means that we can continue to invest in the latest technologies and improve patients experience despite the limitations of the NHS Budget.

“ I am able to compete tomorrow [HH Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival – horse riding] thanks to the amazing NHS. Since my treatment I have competed as a part of the English team in the home international in 2015 - thanks to the amazing NHS. Our granddaughter is coming home (despite her traumatic start at just 780g) thanks to the amazing NHS We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us. Dr Hall and Ms Seetharam have a very special place in my heart. I will always fund raise for you - I cannot thank you enough ”

Judith Yarnold

“Artic’s own, Charlotte Pinder and Lee Rumble joined Darent Valleys Ride for Life to Amsterdam. This piece of software to go with the 3D scanner will benefit not only the employees and their families but also our friends and families who all live nearby. If this new software detects even one woman’s cancer early enough for survival, the ride to Amsterdam and raising the money for this project will be worth every bit of pain Lee and Charlotte endured over the 4 days”

Artic Building Services 

Find out how to support our Cancer Fighting Fund.