Advanced breast cancer detection equipment now in use at 17 Hospitals and Cancer Centers in Michigan

Novi, Michigan - Mercy Cancer Network, one of Michigan’s largest networks of board-certified cancer specialists, announced the completion of a $14 million conversion to digital mammography at each of its 17 hospitals and cancer centers across the state.

Mercy Cancer Network provides more than 130,000 mammograms in Michigan every year. Exams can be scheduled by calling 1-888-474-HOPE.

"Mammography is an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer,” said Mercy Cancer Network Director Julie Sproul. “Digital mammography provides a more accurate and detailed look at breast tissue to give our network of more than 200 board-certified oncologists the most reliable and comprehensive information possible.”

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all women who receive annual mammograms from Mercy Cancer Network affiliates are now benefiting from state-of-the-art machines providing superior image quality and comfort.

A digital mammogram instantly produces a clear image that can then be magnified or enhanced, improving the chances of detecting subtle abnormalities such as faint masses or small clusters of microcalcification.

A National Cancer Institute study shows that digital mammography provides clearer images for women under 50, and women with very dense breasts. Digital mammography also uses less radiation than standard film mammograms.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Services

Digital mammography is one example of the advanced capabilities of the Mercy Cancer Network, one of the largest and most comprehensive networks in the state dedicated to giving patients the most convenient access to the latest cancer diagnostics, clinical research trials and therapeutic technology.

“The Mercy Cancer Network links the expertise of local hospitals and coordinates the collective cancer resources across the state,” Sproul said. “The benefit to patients is that as much care as possible is delivered close to home, with access to additional resources as needed.”

Mercy Cancer Network is an initiative of Trinity Health, Michigan’s leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. The network focuses on maximizing existing clinical services across the continuum of care for patients, while providing access to clinical research, education and resources statewide.

Mercy Cancer Network links the expertise of more than 200 board-certified oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, oncology nurses and other specialties serving 6,000+ patients per year from 17 acute-care hospitals and cancer centers. Combined, the network provides more than 100,000 radiation therapy treatments annually.

Members of the Mercy Cancer Network include:

Battle Creek Health System – The Cancer Care Center

Mercy Health Partners – Muskegon – Johnson Family Cancer Center

Hackley Campus

• Lakeshore Campus – Shelby
• Mercy Campus
• Muskegon General Campus

Mercy Hospital Cadillac

Mercy Hospital Grayling

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

• Chelsea Community Hospital
• St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor – Cancer Center
• St. Joseph Mercy Brighton – Woodland Cancer Center
• St. Joseph Mercy Canton – Cancer Center
• St. Joseph Mercy Livingston (Howell)
• St. Joseph Mercy Oakland(Pontiac) – Cancer Center
• St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron – Mercy Regional Cancer Center
• St. Joseph Mercy Saline
• St. Mary Mercy Livonia – Our Lady of Hope Cancer Center

Saint Mary’s Health Care - Grand Rapids – The Lacks Cancer Center

Through the network, physicians and patients have access to the latest clinical research trials through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) affiliated with the Mayo Clinic and M.D. Anderson.

“Providing cancer patients and their families with support throughout their cancer journey is vital,” added Sproul. The hospitals of the Mercy Cancer Network provide comprehensive, community-based cancer related services through care navigator functions guiding patients through the process and helping organize care plans, keeping patients and families informed concerning appointments, and serving as point persons for medical questions.

In addition to digital mammography, hospitals in the Mercy Cancer Network provide the latest in cancer care technology and services at select sites, such as CyberKnife, TomoTherapy, Rapid Arc and daVinci Robotic Surgical System, among others.

For hospital and referral information, please call 1-888-474-HOPE or visit us on the web at: www.mercycancernetwork.com. For additional information contact Julie Sproul, director, Mercy Cancer Network, 248.489.6369 or at sproulj@trinity-health.org.

About Mercy Cancer Network

Mercy Cancer Network is an initiative of Trinity Health, Michigan’s leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. Trinity Health provides the full continuum of care for Michigan’s residents, with 17 hospitals and cancer centers, nine nursing homes, 19 senior housing facilities, eight home health care agencies and four hospices serving 35 counties. More than 27,000 associates provide care to one in 11 Michigan residents.

Nationally, Trinity Health is the fourth-largest Catholic health care system with 45 acute-care hospitals, 379 outpatient facilities, 29 long-term care facilities, and numerous home health offices and hospice programs based in seven states. Employing 45,800 full-time staff, Trinity Health reported $7.0 billion in unrestricted revenue and $400.0 million in community benefits. In 2009, Trinity Health was ranked in the top 10 of the nation’s top health systems for quality and patient safety by Thomson Reuters. For more information about Trinity Health, visit www.trinity-health.org and become a fan of the Trinity Health Facebook page.