Improving access to mammography in rural areas

Abstract

Many rural areas do not have reliable or adequate access to breast cancer evaluation facilities and care. With the advent of digital mammo-graphy it is possible to send high quality mammographie images across teleradiology/- telemedicine networks for interpretation at certified mammo-graphy centers. We have a statewide telemedicine network upon which telemammography is conducted with a number of very rural locations. Strict turn-around times for interpretation are guaranteed in contractual agree-ments. We are also testing the use of ultra-rapid pathology clinics for women with positive mammograms and real-time consultation with oncologists to reduce the time it takes for rural women to receive care. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.