#Product Trends
Transforming Breast Cancer Screening with Seated Mammography
Is Seated Mammography the Future?
Breast cancer screening is evolving with the introduction of seated mammography, a groundbreaking method designed to enhance accessibility and comfort during mammograms. This development is especially advantageous for women with disabilities. Research (1) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that women with disabilities are significantly less likely to adhere to recommended screening guidelines (2) due to barriers such as misconceptions about risk, prioritization of other health concerns, and lack of accessible facilities.
VELA Medical (3) is addressing these challenges with the introduction of a mammography chair (3) that improves patient comfort and stability, making the screening process more inclusive for all women, regardless of physical abilities.
Key Benefits of Seated Mammography
For Healthcare Providers:
• Ergonomic Working Conditions: The mammography chair allows for proper posture, reducing strain on the back, shoulders, and neck. The adjustable work area accommodates the height of the mammographer, ensuring a more comfortable and safer working environment.
• Optimal Imaging: The chair's design supports both mediolateral oblique (MLO) and cranial caudal (CC) views. Patients can be positioned and locked close to the machine, with fold-away armrests facilitating optimal positioning for accurate imaging.
• Enhanced Workflow: The chair features a secure, locked four-wheel base with an electric lift system, allowing for easy adjustments to equipment and staff height, enhancing workflow efficiency and precision in imaging.
For Patients:
• Accessibility and Comfort: The chair caters to a wide range of patients, including those who are disabled, elderly, and obese (rated up to 660 pounds), ensuring all individuals have access to mammograms in a comfortable and secure setting.
• Reduced Fatigue: For women who find traditional standing procedures exhausting, the seated option can be less tiring and stressful, making the screening experience more pleasant and manageable.
Bridging the Healthcare Accessibility Gap
"The CDC's findings highlight the need for healthcare environments to adapt to all patients. The VELA Mammography Chair is a step towards bridging these gaps. It not only facilitates easier screening for women with disabilities but also encourages healthcare providers to rethink patient care in a more inclusive and empathetic manner. We believe seated mammography is the future," says Thea Johansen, Physical Therapist and Technical Anthropologist at VELA Medical.
Advancing Breast Screening Practices
Integrating a VELA Mammography Chair(5) into breast cancer screening processes allows healthcare facilities to offer a more inclusive, comfortable, and efficient service. This approach supports maintaining good posture and reducing strain for staff while ensuring optimal patient positioning for improved imaging quality, accommodating a diverse range of patient needs.
Conclusion: A New Era in Breast Cancer Screening
The introduction of seated mammography represents a significant advancement in making breast cancer screening more accessible and user-friendly. By emphasizing benefits that enhance the experience for both patients and healthcare providers, this approach sets a new standard in patient care. It underscores the importance of inclusivity, comfort, and efficiency in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, ensuring that all women, regardless of their physical condition, have equal access to essential screening services.
(1): https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/righttoknow/overview.html
(2): https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
(3): https://vela-medical.com/
(4): https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/vela-medical/product-86177-882211.html
(5): https://vela-medical.com/chair/vela-mammography-chair/
