BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jan. 31, 2003 Brookwood Diagnostic Center has purchased an advanced digital mammography system called the Senographe 2000D, at this time, it is the first and only location in Birmingham to offer this new technology in the fight against breast cancer. Brookwood Diagnostic Centers offers this new technology at the Women's Diagnostic Center on the campus of Brookwood Medical Center in the Women's Medical Plaza building. Digital mammography will also be offered in Shelby county at MedPlex Diagnostic Center on Southlake Parkway beginning in April 2003.

The new mammography system produces breast images through computerization rather than on X-ray film. There are many advantages to the system. The images are clear and easy to read and can give better visibility. The image is ready to read in about ten seconds. Women no longer have to wait while the films are developed to be sure the images are optimal which means the test may take as little as half the time of a film mammogram. With digital mammography, once the pictures or images have been taken they can be electronically manipulated – the physician can zoom in, magnify, and optimize different parts of breast tissue without having to take an additional image. If a second opinion is needed, the image can be sent electronically to a second doctor; and can then be printed on film for review.

"The system can help advance breast care," said Michelle Waldrop, Brookwood Diagnostic Center director. "It allows us to offer our patients advanced technology with less hassle and disruption to their lives. It also gives our referring physicians clear images to use in diagnosis. We're proud to offer patients this new technology to help detect breast cancer in its early stages – when it's most treatable."

Brookwood Diagnostic Centers are owned and operated by Brookwood Center Development Corporation and is affiliated with Tenet Healthcare Corporation which, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates 114 acute care hospitals with 27,851 beds and numerous related health care services. Tenet and its subsidiaries employ approximately 115,000 people serving communities in 16 states. Tenet's name reflects its core business philosophy: the importance of shared values among partners - including employees, physicians, insurers and communities - in providing a full spectrum of health care. Tenet can be found on the World Wide Web at www.tenethealth.com.