September 23, 2011 — Hologic Inc. announced that Rob Cascella, company president and CEO, will preside over the NASDAQ stock market opening bell ceremony marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ceremony will begin at 9:15 a.m. (ET) on Oct. 3, 2011.
Breast cancer statistics reveal that:
- One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer in their lifetime
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. It is the leading cause of death in women age 35 to 65.
- Between 1990 and 2007, the mortality rate from breast cancer in the United States decreased by 31 percent, principally due to the contribution of mammographic screening and improved therapies.
- Approximately 2.5 million women with a history of breast cancer living in America are alive today.
In February 2011, Hologic was the first company to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 3-D breast tomosynthesis.
In clinical studies, radiologists reading 2-D mammography and 3-D breast tomosynthesis images - compared to 2-D images alone - demonstrated superior clinical performance in specificity. The combined viewing also illustrated the confidence to rule out breast cancer without recalling the patient for further study and improved sensitivity.
In addition to mammography screening, Hologic provides products and technologies to address the entire continuum of screening, definitive diagnosis and therapy. If a suspicious lesion is detected, breast biopsy systems are designed to provide clinicians with easy access with fewer needle insertions.
Should cancer be detected in its early stages, many women are candidates for targeted radiation therapy, a patient-friendly and effective alternative for women that qualify. Hologic's breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) solutions are highly sensitive for cancer staging, problem solving, post-treatment surveillance, and other indications. Breast MRI can detect many breast cancers that are often hidden when using standard imaging.
In addition, for every woman making the Promise to Me pledge, Hologic will contribute funds for mammograms and cervical cancer and bone density screening for women that cannot afford the exams.
The NASDAQ stock market opening bell ceremony will be aired live on NASDAQ.com.
For more information: www.hologic.com