The Emanuel Cancer Center is urging women to not neglect their health and to take advantage of the programs being offered through the month of October as part of the breast cancer awareness campaign.
One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. Mammograms are the most effective form of early detection.
The Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center at the Emanuel Cancer Center is staying open late every Monday in October until 7 p.m. to accommodate busy women.
“Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day for those with busy schedules,” EMC said in a news release. “We understand it may be difficult for working moms and busy women to get in for their screenings during normal business hours. But the last thing that should be neglected is their health. These extended hours allow women to conveniently come in after hours, when they are finished with work or activities with kids and families.”
Those wishing to make an appointment can call (833) 237-8973 to schedule one.
The Emanuel Cancer Center also offers 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for breast cancer screening at the diagnostic center. Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis when combined with a conventional 2D mammography has a 40 percent higher invasive cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone.
The 3D mammography system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, and an advanced design providing more patient comfort. The ground-breaking tomosynthesis platform is designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance for all breast types. It produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.
If a mammogram results indicate the need for a breast biopsy, Emanuel offers core needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy or vacuum-assisted core biopsy.
The Emanuel Cancer Center wig bank has wigs from the American Cancer Society and is currently open by appointment only. The bank also provides complimentary hats, scarves and lap blankets. The resource library has materials available on nearly every kind of cancer as well as materials relating to nutrition, coping with cancer, caregiver support, family concerns, inspiration and more. To book an appointment, please call (209) 664-2427.
For patients who have been putting off their medical needs due to fear of coming to a medical facility, Emanuel Medical Center has a message of reassurance: “Emanuel continues to care for all patients with healthcare needs not related to COVID-19 and that includes providing routine mammograms and screenings,” the hospital wrote in their news release. “It’s important that patients do not put off routine screenings as that can create problems down the road.
“Every precaution is being taken, combining strong infection prevention processes, staff training, testing, and ample supply of personal protective equipment. Emanuel is committed to universal protection and safety for every person who walks through our doors.”
