October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is why we tailored this issue of Medical Imaging to women. Our special section on women’s health includes an incredible timeline of women in radiology as well as an analysis of why more women don’t specialize in the field. (In medical schools, women represent half of the students; however, only 25% of radiology students are women.)
Our feature on women’s imaging covers a wealth of new techniques that enable quicker diagnoses and treatments. These new techniques and converging technologies-including MR-guided biopsies, full-field digital mammography, MR-guided focused ultrasound (for treating uterine fibroids), speckle-reduction imaging with ultrasound (for diagnosing adenomyosis), and more-are the result of years of research and clinical trials. And in many cases, grass-roots, community-based efforts helped to raise the funds that enable the research.
For example, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Dallas) has been turning to the community for more than 20 years to help raise money. Part of that money supports the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds breast cancer research, laudable awards, and educational and scientific programs. One of the foundation’s most well-known events is the Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5-kilometer runs/fitness walks that raise millions of dollars as well as promote education on early detection. Another event, which takes place this year on October 7, is Lee National Denim Day. Now in its 10th year, the program invites employees, students?anyone!?to wear denim in exchange for a $5 donation to the Foundation. Thus far, the program has raised more than $52 million. (Visit www.komen.org to get involved.)
The other part of the money that the Foundation raises remains in the community to fund educational outreach, screening, and treatment programs for women without access to these services and those who are underserved. This month’s case study touches on this very topic and highlights the Swedish Breast Care Express, an 18-wheel mobile mammography coach in Seattle that travels to any location where 20 or more women need a mammogram.
GE Healthcare (Waukesha, Wis) also has a focus on community outreach targeting women. The company’s Women’s Health and Wellness Tour offers eight medical and wellness demonstration areas on two 53-foot trucks that are open to the general public in cities across the United States. Topics include digital mammography, osteoporosis screening, and cardiac screening. For more information, including a schedule of the tour, visit www.gehealthcare.com/whwt/index.html.
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Another community-outreach program to help generate funds is through the US Postal Service. Launched on July 29, 1998, the Breast Cancer Research stamp costs $.45. The additional 8 cents per stamp, which has raised more than $37 million thus far, goes to the National Institutes of Health (70%) and to the Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense (30%). Visit shop.usps.com to purchase stamps.
Clearly, we all can do our part in a variety of ways?as easy as wearing jeans or buying a stamp, and as challenging as running 3 miles. Personally, I love to bake, so I’ll be purchasing a copy of the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book, a limited edition with its infamous red plaid cover changed to pink; purchases lead to a large donation from the publisher to the Komen Foundation. Regardless of how you lend a hand, it’s important to get involved and support these organizations that, in turn, help to fund the very technologies you’re using.
Andi Lucas
Editor
