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The C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. iNetVu antenna has been deployed the first time for mobile mammography screening in rural New Zealand.

The Breast Screen Waitemata Northland unit, which began operating this month, sets the standard for mobile breast cancer screening using digital and satellite technology.

The unit's new digital technology processes the picture within seconds, and beams it, via the iNetVu mobile satellite antenna located on top of the vehicle, to radiologists in Auckland.

The BreastScreen unit was integrated with the iNetVu mobile antenna system by C-COM's reseller Farmside, who is also the satellite service provider for this application. Farmside's CEO, Tony Baird said the mobile breast screening unit was another example of how satellite technology can deliver for rural areas an immediate and very cost effective application, made possible by the iNetVu mobile antenna.

"To deliver the best in health and education services across New Zealand we need to be able to utilise technologies that are equivalent to those available in the cities," he said. "In this case satellite has met an immediate need and is literally helping to save lives."

The satellite technology eliminates the need to transport hardcopy x-ray film - saving time and effort, and enabling the mammograms to reach the radiologists for interpretation more quickly.

It is estimated that the digital and satellite technology used in the new mobile unit will enable an additional 1800 more women to be tested annually - an increase of around 30%.

The new mobile unit delivers the Breast Screen programme for women aged 45-69, and based on its success, other health providers may adopt similar technology in future. "We are very pleased to be able to assist women in rural New Zealand to get screened for early signs of cancer through our technology.

The iNetVu mobile antenna system makes it possible to bring advanced digital mammography into rural areas and to offer these services virtually anywhere in an immediate and cost effective way, saving countless lives in the process." said Leslie Klein, President and CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.

Source: C-COM Satellite Systems, Inc.

Discuss more about Mammography in the Mammography user group.