When it comes to breast cancer screening, not all mammograms are created equal.  The quality of a mammogram plays a major role in detecting cancer early.  At Missouri Delta’s Breast Imaging Center in Sikeston, MO, the team is on a mission to be the most trusted destination for mammography in their community. Thanks to advanced technology, a dedicated staff, and a patient-first approach, they’re delivering more accurate mammograms and more personalized care than ever before.

“We recommitted ourselves to becoming the best breast imaging center in the area. We retrained our staff, revamped protocols, and importantly, invested in new technology to elevate our standard of care,” said Kyle Diveley, Imaging Services Director.

Investing in advanced tools for better outcomes

Missouri Delta uses a suite of cutting-edge tools from Volpara Health which apply artificial intelligence (AI) to help technologists optimize every mammogram.  The Volpara Analytics^TM software supports proper positioning, compression and radiation dose which are key factors in image quality.  “Every mammogram is unique, because every body is different,” said Kyle. “AI gives our team another layer of support to deliver the highest quality images.”

In the exam room, Volpara Live^TM software provides on the job performance feedback, helping technologists fine-tune each scan. Kyle credits these tools from Volpara with helping the team reach new levels of excellence.  “Some of our technologists rank in the top 10% nationally for image quality,” said Kyle. “It validates their hard work and keeps them striving to improve every day.”

The Missouri Delta mammography team ranks among the top performers of Volpara Analytics users globally. They exceed the average in all key mammography quality metrics—14.3% higher in Quality Score, 22.5% higher in Positioning, and 21.1% higher in Compression.

Precision breast density and risk assessment

It is a national law that all mammogram reports inform patients if they have dense breasts – a factor that can make cancer harder to detect on a mammogram.  Missouri Delta goes further, using Volpara Scorecard^TM software to provide precise, objective measurements of breast density. This matters because dense breast tissue is not only harder to screen but it is an independent risk factor for cancer.

Scorecard also includes a built-in risk assessment tool that calculates a patient’s lifetime risk of breast cancer based on her personal history and breast density. “We want women to feel informed and empowered,” said radiologist Dr. Brandon Covert. “Knowing your breast cancer risk means you and your doctor can make smarter decisions together.”

Community first, always

“No one should skip a mammogram because of cost,” said Kyle.  “We stive to make screening affordable and never be a barrier.”  Missouri Delta offers financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients and raises funds through an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon to support these efforts.  Th center also makes access easier by allowing women to schedule their mammograms directly without requiring an order from a referring physician.  “It’s your health, your choice,” Kyle added. “And we want to make that choice easy.”

Looking ahead

With momentum on their side, the Missouri Delta team is proud of how far they have come and they’re not slowing down. “We’re committed to giving every patient the best possible care,” said Dr. Covert. “Because when it comes to your health, quality matters and that should absolutely influence where you choose to go.”

“As a local center, we are staffed by people who live here and care about this community,” added Kyle.   “No one should feel like they have to drive out of town to get a high-quality mammogram,” said Kyle.  We have the tools, the team, and the heart—right here at home.”

Still got it: Mary Carolyn’s legacy in mammography

Mary Carolyn Adams (MC) was part of the Missouri Delta’s mammography department when it opened in 1989, and she is still going strong!  At 80 years young, MC has been a technologist for over 40 years and is proud to say she helped perform some of the first mammograms at the center. “I’ve been so inspired working in breast care and watching all the innovations through the years,” she said. “I love the Volpara Analytics tool—it’s helped me become an even better technologist and shows me that I’ve still got what it takes.”

Missouri Delta mammography technologists pride themselves on offering superior mammograms supported by advanced tools like Volpara.  Their focus on quality helps ensure that every patient receives their best mammogram.