lifeIMAGE, a medical image exchange platform based in Waltham, Mass., has acquired women’s imaging network Mammosphere, according to a company press release.

The acquisition will enable providers currently using the lifeIMAGE platform to access the Mammosphere network with an end goal of improving breast cancer screening and outcomes, said Kathryn Pearson Peyton, MD, the founder and CEO of Mammosphere who will now lead the women’s health and imaging advisory committee at lifeIMAGE.

“The availability of prior mammograms is critical to the early and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer,” Peyton said. “By leveraging the market-leading network and technology built by lifeIMAGE, the reach of the Mammosphere image exchange network will dramatically expand so more women and healthcare providers can benefit from breast cancer screening programs.”

The addition of Mammosphere will also allow patients to take a more active role in their treatment, the company says, by using secure online accounts to allow new providers to access their prior imaging studies.

“lifeIMAGE is focused on improving the quality of care experienced by patients and bringing services to the market that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Matthew Michela, chief executive officer and president of lifeIMAGE. “Furthering the Mammosphere mission will help the women’s health and radiology experts within our network improve the efficiency and outcomes of mammography screening programs and improve patients’ safety and satisfaction while reducing unnecessary medical spending.”