Early Detection is the Best Protection:  Newman Memorial Strives to Improve Access in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  A time to remind women everywhere about breast cancer prevention and screening.  According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide.  Aside from managing your risk factors, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to participate in routine screening.

Screening cannot prevent breast cancer, but it can help find breast cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat.  A mammogram screening is an x-ray exam of the breast.  According to local physician, Dr. Danna Stuart, M.D., women should begin to get their annual screening mammograms at age 40.  Newman Memorial Hospital’s Radiology Department performs screening mammography Monday through Friday and all screenings are performed by a female technologist.

Heather Longhofer, R.T.(R), registered radiological technologist, from Newman Memorial Hospital says, “Having a regular mammogram is so important.  I can’t stress enough that it can be a life saver! Early detection is the best protection.”  With growing evidence and awareness regarding the importance of early detection, Newman Memorial has been examining the potential barriers that may prevent women from participating in this very important annual screening.  The top two barriers identified were “time” and “money”.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Newman Memorial Hospital is offering $95 Screening Mammograms for those who do not have insurance or simply wish to self-pay.  We also accept all major insurance and the majority of insurance companies cover annual screening mammograms at 100%.  You can call your insurance company to see if they provide this coverage.  In addition to the expense, “time” was given as a factor that prevented women from scheduling their mammograms.

It can be challenging to fit in a mammogram during regular business hours when so many women are working and/or raising families and juggling other commitment (cue superhero music).  Newman Memorial Hospital will be offering two extended hours events in effort to accommodate schedules of all shapes and sizes!  On October 9th and October 23rd, we will be hosting the “Mammograms, Munchies & Massages” events.  You can schedule your mammogram from 4 to 7 pm and enjoy some munchies while you fill out your paperwork and then relax during a 10 minute chair massage following your mammogram provided by Newman Memorial Hospital.  These special time slots will fill up quickly, if you would like schedule please call 580-938-5512 to reserve your spot!