Mobile Mammo to come to Pine Island
There are many reasons some people put off routine health maintenance exams such as mammograms. For most Pine Islanders, topping the list to justify procrastinating, would be the drive off island.
Answering the call for a more convenient way to obtain this vital health screening, Radiology Regional has come up with a solution. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Radiology Regional will visit several sites throughout Lee County including Pine Island. On Friday, Oct. 8, the Mobile Mammo will be at Southwest Capital Bank at the island center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The mission of the Mobile Mammo -Driving for Detection program is to provide easily accessible breast screening for women that are asymptomatic and are in need of their annual mammogram. According to Mary Kay Peterson with Radiology Regional, Mobile Mammo provides state of the art, full-field digital mammography which will be analyzed by computer-aided detection and read by local, board-certified radiologists, including fellowship-trained women’s imagers.
“The team of dedicated radiologists and registered technologists, along with quality imaging, has earned Radiology Regional Center the distinction of a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology,” said Peterson. “Now, the same exceptional service available at our centers is made convenient for communities, businesses and events.”
According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, one is eight women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. However, with early detection, the survival rate for an early diagnosed breast cancer at five years is better than 97 percent. Mammography is one aspect of breast health, in addition to monthly self-exam and annual physician exams.
“The ability to walk in or schedule ahead for minutes of preventative healthcare, puts the patient first in a face-paced world,” said Peterson.
The mammogram will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Prior to the exam, those entering the Mobile Mammo will be asked to present identification and fill out a brief medical history before being escorted to a private dressing room. Those receiving an unfavorable screening will be notified by phone from a Radiology Regional Center staff member to discuss follow up care. To prepare for the exam, patients are asked to wear comfortable two-piece outfits and do not use underarm deodorant, talcum powder or cream the day of the exam.
Either before or after the exam, all are welcome to enjoy some of the islands freshest fish offerings as Mel Meo will have her mullet wagon frying mullet all day and a portion of the proceeds will go to the “From our Hearts” organization.
Most insurance coverage will be recognized with the Mobile Mammo visit to the island and those who are un-insured will be charged a discounted rate that can be made in easy installments to Radiology Regional Center.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Mobile Mammo on Oct. 8, or to schedule an appointment, call Radiology Regional Center at 936-2316.