The Good Samaritan Hospital Womens Health Center now provides a new product that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram, and is now a Certified Softer Mammogram Provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. The center hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings, especially during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
(PRWEB) October 14, 2004 -- The Good Samaritan Hospital Womens Health Center now provides a new product that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram, and is now a Certified Softer Mammogram Provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. The center hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings, especially during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The FDA-cleared foam cushion, called MammoPad®, creates a softer, warmer mammogram, dramatically minimizing the pain and discomfort usually associated with mammography – a significant reason many women give for avoiding this vitally important screening tool.
Many women report that the mammography procedure can cause painful compression, pinching and skin stretching. The cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device can make the experience even more uncomfortable for some patients.
The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammographic screens. For this reason, both the society and the American College of Radiology recommend that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly. Yet despite the urgency of this message, nearly 40 percent of American women don't get regular recommended mammograms. Studies have shown mammography pain is a major reason some women do not return for annual screening.
"The discomfort that many women feel during mammography is widely known to be a reason that some avoid having regular screenings," said Jen Taylor, Director of Radiology and Cardiology Services. The breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft, warm cushion for the breast during mammography. And because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image," continued Taylor.
A single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion, the MammoPad attaches to the compression plates of the mammography device. It was developed by Stanford University breast surgeon Gail Lebovic, M.D., who understood mammography discomfort from both a physician and patient's point of view. The MammoPad not only provides a soft, warm surface for breast positioning but also helps lessen skin-pulling. It is "invisible" to x-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.
To further encourage more women to have regular mammograms, Good Samaritan is offering the MammoPad free of charge to their patients.
Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death," said Taylor. Mammograms identify lumps that a womans self-exam wouldnt find until an average of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality. This breast cushion removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure."
Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which also includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY, and is a member of the Bon Secours Health System in the United States, a Catholic health care ministry headquartered in Marriottsville, MD. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs. For more information about Womens Health services, or any other program, contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5000.
Media contact:
John Lonsdorf
R&J Group
(973) 331-1070
Jlonsdorf@randjgroup.com
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