County residents get access to mammography exams
With state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment, Superior-area patients can be effectively screened for the presence or absence of breast cancer without having to leave Mineral County. (Chuck Bandel/Mineral Independent)
Early detection of breast cancer can go a long way in heading off the devastation
it can cause.
Using state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment, Superior-area patients
can be effectively screened for the presence or absence of breast cancer without
having to leave Mineral County.
Thanks to grants from many different sources, including the Leona Helmsley Trust and Walmart, Mineral Community Hospital acquired an advanced mammography machine and related equipment which uses digital technology to produce extremely detailed images.
The responsibility for acquiring detailed images lies with Chris Watson, a registered mammography technologist with 31-years experience in the field.
“We try our best to make patients feel comfortable during the exam process,” Watson said. “You have to be able to put yourself in their shoes and understand their concerns.”
Watson cites the ease of scheduling and a home-town approach as key factors in helping put patients at ease as much as possible.“I love working with the patients we have here,” she said. “It’s great to not be rushed and to be able to talk with them about home town things while they are here.”
Mineral Community performs mammography exams on an average of about 150 patients per year, a patient volume level that allows ample time for the imaging process. The screening exams usually involve acquiring four views, or images.
Those digital images are then sent via computer to Medical Images, Idaho where they are interpreted by physicians skilled in reading mammography films.
“We are able to schedule mammography exams in 45-minute intervals,” Watson said, referring to the benefits of living in a small town. “The actual exam usually takes about 20 minutes, which allows time for socializing.”
Mitzi Francis, Administrative Assistant at Mineral Community, said the mammography process and related procedures are closely regulated and monitored by state and federal medical standards. “We do detailed reviews every month to make sure we are in compliance and up to date with state standards”, Francis said.
“We are consistently at or above those standards.”
Both Watson and Francis speak with pride about the hospital’s capabilities offered to the local community.
“Having these abilities here in Superior is huge for local residents,” Francis said. “These exams can save lives.”
Currently the American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40-45 have an initial screening exam, with women ages 45-54 urged to have annual exams.
Those women ages 55 and older are advised to have an exam every other year.
Mineral Community Hospital encourages patients to ask their health care provider about their recommendations.
The screening exams are offered Monday through Thursday at MCH. Patients can call 822-3705 to schedule an exam and receive more information, with walk-in patients welcome.