Advancements in medical imaging technology are complementing the work of oncologists -- vastly improving health outcomes for cancer patients, and benefiting economic productivity, said experts at a Capitol Hill briefing today.

The event, moderated by Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI), chair of the House of Representatives Cancer Care Working Group, and hosted by US Oncology and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), underscored the growing national awareness that medical imaging, combined with pharmaceutical therapies and highly skilled physicians, can diagnose and treat cancer earlier and more precisely, giving patients a better chance of survival and helping them avoid costly and taxing surgeries.

"A comprehensive approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment has a tremendous impact on patients across the entire nation," said Congressman Rogers. "With emerging research continually pointing to imaging as a crucial part of that care continuum, ensuring that all Americans can access quality imaging services is absolutely essential."

Each year, close to 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are now 10 million U.S. cancer survivors -- up from just 3 million in 1971. And in the past decade alone, cancer mortality among Americans has decreased 7 percent.

"Imaging is allowing doctors today to treat patients in ways never thought possible," said Lloyd Everson, M.D., chairman of US Oncology, the nation's leading provider of community-based cancer care services. "Where once a physician may have relied upon invasive surgery to detect, diagnose or stage a tumor, today's imaging allows us to unobtrusively screen, diagnose and stage cancers, precisely guide treatment to preserve healthy surrounding tissue and even determine if a given treatment is working."

A new white paper released today titled Medical Imaging in Cancer Care: Charting the Progress looks at how innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment improves health and economic productivity. Among the benefits of imaging discussed during the briefing are:

Less-Invasive Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment:

Medical imaging enables a range of less-invasive, highly targeted cancer therapies that translate into better and more comfortable care for patients. Because they are less invasive, these treatments mean fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and, in many cases, no incisions or surgery. Thus, the patient benefits in two ways-better care and more comfortable, convenient care.

More Effective Management of Cancer:

Medical imaging has become a key component of comprehensive oncology care. An essential tool in cancer therapy and management, imaging can determine the presence or spread of cancer in addition to visualizing a patient's response to therapy. Imaging also helps ensure that radiation is delivered accurately, according to the precise shape of a tumor, thereby killing cancer cells and avoiding substantial damage to sensitive, healthy surrounding tissue.

Increased Efficiencies And Savings in Cancer Care:

Medical imaging makes the health care system work more efficiently by fostering greater economy and cost savings. Such savings are often apparent, as when imaging replaces surgery. Other times, however, savings are harder to see, as when imaging allows a patient to recover faster. Imaging's newest frontier, using information technology to superimpose or fuse digital images together, or combine digital images with other clinical and laboratory information, is introducing savings that stretch throughout the health care system.

Worker Productivity:

Medical imaging in cancer detection and therapy can help keep workers healthy and on the job by avoiding surgery, long recuperation, and disability. Improvements in cancer care and cures, along with the accompanying enhancements in quality of life and functioning, have brought significant economic value. Economists are calculating the economic value of longer life expectancy, better functioning, reduced disability, and greater employee productivity.

Joe Hogan, president and CEO of GE Healthcare speaking on behalf of NEMA, called imaging one of the single most important technologies ever invented. "In many cases, cancer and other diseases can be successfully treated if a physician can detect and treat it early. I'm proud to say that imaging devices have contributed dramatically to the improvement in cancer care, advancements such as combined PET/CT imaging allows physicians to see cancer earlier, localize and personalize treatment, and carefully monitor that treatment," he said. "We'll continue to fight cancer together, and continue to help patients live longer, healthier and more productive lives."

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US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of the nation's largest cancer treatment and research networks. US Oncology provides extensive services and support to its affiliated cancer care sites nationwide to help them expand their offering of the most advanced treatments and technologies, build integrated community-based cancer care centers, improve their therapeutic drug management programs and participate in many of the new cancer-related clinical research studies. US Oncology is affiliated with 994 physicians operating in 494 locations, including 97 radiation oncology facilities in 33 states.

NEMA is the leading trade association in the United States representing the interests of electroindustry manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its medical equipment member companies manufacture products used in medical imaging and radiation therapy. The Diagnostics Imaging and Therapy Systems Division of NEMA represents over 95 percent of the market for X-Ray Imaging (including mammography) CT, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Medical Imaging Informatics equipment.

To learn more about the value of medical imaging, or to download a copy of the white paper, please visit http://www.medicalimaging.org .

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Source: usnewswire