State Senators Owen H. Johnson and Caesar Trunzo recently joined members of Breast Cancer H.E.L.P., Inc. in paying a visit to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore which will soon be the recipient of a new, stateof the-art digital mammography unit thanks to the Senators and Breast Cancer H.E.L.P., Inc. This unit will be the first digital mammography unit ever at Southside Hospital.

Together, Senators Johnson and Trunzo secured $500,000 for Breast Cancer H.E.L.P., Inc. in this year's state budget to help purchase the equipment that will aid physicians in diagnosing breast cancer at its earliest stages. Unlike conventional film mammography, digital mammography images are produced almost immediately. The technology has the added benefit of allowing physicians to zoom in on specific areas and see clearer images. Digital mammography has been especially beneficial in examining women with dense breast tissue and those who have had inconclusive results from standard mammography. What's more, since images are stored on a computer they can be easily transmitted, allowing multiple physicians to consult with one another on a particular case.

"Area residents can take comfort in knowing that they will soon have the very best diagnostic tools to detect breast cancer, close by and at their disposal," said Senator Johnson. "I am so pleased that Senator Trunzo and I were able to work together to secure this potentially life-saving equipment."

"Southside Hospital has long been a vital resource to our community and now patients will have access to digital Mammography technology, which will allow for a faster and more comprehensive diagnosis," said Senator Trunzo.

"Thanks to the efforts of both Senator Trunzo and Senator Johnson, we will be able to provide the necessary advanced screening to the women of the community that are in need, " Lorraine Pace, co-president of Breast Cancer H.E.L.P., Inc. said. "We consider it a privilege to work alongside Southside's administration as they seek to improve and enhance women's healthcare services, especially access to improved breast cancer screening and diagnosis."

"Earlier diagnosis with digital mammograms offers a much greater chance for a cure. The survival for patients is much higher and that is our goal." said Alex Fezza executive director, of Breast Cancer H.E.L.P., Inc. "Preventing families from losing a loved one to breast cancer, that is the legacy we want to leave Long Island."