Mobile Mammo labeled big success – will make a return visit next month
Considered an overwhelming success, the Mobile Mammo will return to Pine Island next month. During the month of October, Radiology Regional began a new program that brings mammography screening to the community and the fourth stop for the big pink RV was Southwest Capital Bank near the island center.
“The technicians with the Mobile Mammo were stunned by the number of people who turned out for breast cancer screening here on the island,” said SW Capital branch manager, Elsie Stearns. “At this point, more people from Pine Island took advantage of the convenience of getting their annual mammograms here on the island than any other community in the area, so we have planned to bring back this service and hopefully they will be here one day a month throughout the winter season.”
According to Stearns, 35 women, some with appointments and others that were walk-ins, were screened during the Mobile Mammo’s last visit. the Mobile Mammo will return to the parking lot at Southwest Capital Bank on Nov. 12, and will offer screenings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This mobile office offers state-of-the-art, full-field screenings using its digital mobile mammography services.
According to Elissa Harrod with Radiology Regional, there are several advantages of the new digital technology for breast cancer screening.
“First of all, this procedure uses somewhat lower radiation exposure, produces a faster exposure and most women find they experience less discomfort,” Harrod said. “Also, because there is no x-ray film, there is a far less chance that they could become damaged or lost and the images captured by the digital mammography can be electronically transmitted easily to another facility such as a personal physician.”
Most insurances are accepted, or for those who will self-pay, discount pricing will be offered. In addition, no prescription is required by Radiology Regional for a screening mammogram.
The biggest advantage to the Mobile Mammo is the time saved for those in need of an annual screening.
“I heard most of the women that came here in October say that they really appreciated the time they saved not having to go into town for a mammogram,” said Stearns. “Not only was it close to home, but there was no need to make an appointment weeks ahead and anticipate a long wait after driving into Cape Coral. Most found that when they got here to the Mobile Mammo, things were so well organized that most were in and out in less than 20 minutes.”
The results from the mammograms are mailed out to individuals in less than two weeks, however, if there is a concern, a professional technician from Radiology Regional will phone to discuss a person’s options with them as soon as possible.
Also returning to Southwest Capital will be Mel Meo with her Mullet Wagon. Meo and her assistant, Fred Lodsin, will be on site to prepare fresh fried mullet, sandwiches and offer soft drinks and baked items to enjoy before or after the screenings. Again in November, a portion of the proceeds of the food sales from the Mullet Wagon will be donated to the Pine Island based organization, From Our Hearts, who raise funds to assist those who need it with breast cancer care support.
In addition to the November date, Southwest Capital and Radiology Regional have already scheduled future dates when the Mobile Mammo will return to the island so as to accommodate a variety of schedules. Other dates include Friday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Walk-ins will be welcome, however, appointments may be scheduled to avoid any possible delays. For more information or to make an appointment, call Radiology Regional Center at 936-2316.