The Meirav Center – Reshaping The Mammography Experience in Israel

Early detection of cancer saves lives. Awareness enables early detection. Sheba's Meirav Breast Center provides both. When former El Al Director Joel Feldschuh lost his daughter, Meirav, to breast cancer when she was only in her late 20’s, he was determined to make her legacy one of health and survival. Today, nearly ten years after her death, the Center is leading the way in breast cancer detection and treatment. 

Thanks to the advancements in mammographic technology, the Center is taking part in reshaping the mammography experience. It is continuing to make breast health more convenient and accessible for women in Israel by acquiring two Senographe Pristina 3D systems, the latest in digital mammography.

After realizing that a third of patients were not following up with regular breast screening due to the pain and unpleasant experiences of conventional mammography, the Center has acquired two of these innovative digital mammography systems, which makes screening more comfortable and provides clearer results , as well as a better overall breast exam experience.

A short while after Meirav’s passing, her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. However, due to detecting it at an early stage, she was able to beat the disease. Having accompanied his daughter and then his wife through their trying illnesses, Feldschuh – who is the current Director of Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority – decided to take action in improving the awareness and treatment of breast cancer in Israel, by collaborating with Sheba Medical Center. The Meirav Center, dedicated to his daughter’s memory, is the fruit of their joint initiative.

The Center’s Director, Dr. Dov Zippel, says: “These machines are transforming our patients’ whole experience and relationship to the disease. The cutting-edge technology, combined with the sincere care for our patients’ well-being, diminishes their fears and the stress of coming in for medical exams in a significant way.” 

As leaders in diagnostics and treatment of breast cancer in Israel, the Center makes prevention and early detection a priority. The Senographe Pristina 3D is one example of how they are helping their patients in examining and diagnosing breast diseases with 3D mammography, along with a contrast product (CESM) and tomosynthesis tests.

It is the only Center in Israel with a multidisciplinary team of health care providers specializing in breast health as well as the most advanced and efficient medical material currently available.

The Centers’ staff includes oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons and plastic surgeons. Among the healthcare services provided to the patients are medical consultations, pathology reports, oncology treatments, and exhaustive diagnostics. All of this is made possible thanks to cutting-edge imagery, pathological reports, breast surgeries and follow-up appointments with the top breast cancer specialists.