Breast Tomosynthesis: A New Dimension

Princeton HealthCare System Foundation Princeton HealthCare System Foundation

Breast Tomosynthesis: A New Dimension in Breast Cancer Detection

Like many of us, Joe and Lee Herring’s lives have been touched by cancer. Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Herring are in a position, personally and professionally, to help fight the battle against this all-too-common disease. Thanks to their generosity, the University Medical Center of Princeton (UMCP) Breast Health Center now has the benefit of breast tomosynthesis, a breakthrough in mammography. The Herrings’ generous gift, along with the proceeds of the 2014 Golf Outing, which raised more than $229,000, will help pay for this new equipment as well as training for staff that will use it.

Digital breast tomosynthesis produces clear, highly focused, three-dimensional images, while standard mammography produces two-dimensional views. This new breast imaging technique makes breast cancers easier to see in dense breast tissue, which is typically more difficult to evaluate. Breast screening is more comfortable for the patient, and there is a 30% increase in cancer detection.

Professionally, Mr. Herring is the CEO of Covance, a drug development company that specializes in clinical trials and laboratory safety work to test products before they go to market. In fact, Covance has contributed to the development of the top-selling prescription medicines in the world. Under Mr. Herring’s leadership, Covance worked to reduce the risk of cancer among its employees by supporting healthy lifestyle practices, making all facilities smoke-free, offering employees access to on-site exercise facilities, and providing smoking cessation and nutritional counseling. “We are happy to support the purchase of the breast tomosynthesis mammography unit for the Breast Health Center. We recognize and appreciate Princeton HealthCare System’s commitment to providing advanced cancer care close to home,” said Mr. and Mrs. Herring.

The continued support of donors like the Herrings will allow the UMCP Breast Health Center, as well as the Matthews Center for Cancer Care, to stay on the cutting edge and provide the community with the highest level of cancer care.

The UMCP Breast Health Center has earned national accreditation recognizing the excellence of its full spectrum of breast care, from preventive services to the most advanced cancer treatments.

The UMCP Breast Health Center is located at 300B Princeton–Hightstown Road, East Windsor Medical Commons 2, East Windsor, NJ 08520; the phone number is 609.688.2700.


Article as seen in Foundation News Fall 2015.