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MUSCMedical LinksCharleston LinksArchivesCatalyst AdvertisersSeminars and EventsResearch StudiesPublic RelationsResearch GrantsMUSC home pageCommunity HappeningsCampus NewsApplause

 


Cancer campaign focuses on employees


by Maggie Mullen
Public Relations
MUSC is encouraging employees to take advantage of the services being offered right outside their office doors.
 
Thomas L. Pope, Jr., M.D., professor of radiology and orthopaedics and director of the Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) Breast Imaging Program, wants to spread the message that every woman should know.
 
Any woman, 35 years of age or older who has a past history of breast cancer, should be screened, and any woman  40 years of age  or older should have a yearly examination, he said. Pope adds, “If possible, we also would want our employees to have 100 percent participation.”
 
Even though no new services are currently presented by radiology, the department does offer breast imaging studies. Pope said, “We were the first digital mammography department in the Lowcountry and have been totally digital now for more than five years, including the mobile van.”
 
The HCC Mobile Health Unit (MHU) is a van providing South Carolina adults access to current screening services. These services include mammograms, skin cancer, and cervical, oral and prostate health.
 
“My recent visit to HCC mammography was prompt, professional and painless. As an employee, I feel fortunate to have access to such great care and advanced technology,” said Lisa Montgomery, vice president for finance and administration.
 
To help better accommodate MUSC employees, a lunchtime mammogram appointment time slot, between noon and 12:45 p.m., is reserved on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the month of October solely for MUSC employees. Patients will be seen on the second floor of HCC. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the mammography scheduling office, 792-8439.
 
The mobile van also is available for mammography screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, weekdays and specific Saturdays. Check the calendar on the HCC Web page for schedules and locations. To schedule an appointment, call 792-0878.

Susan G. Komen recommends a Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
Know your risk
--Talk to your family about health history and a doctor about personal risk

Get screened
--Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you
--Have a  clinical breast exam every three years starting at age 20
--Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40

See your doctor immediately if you notice any of these breast changes:
--Lump, swelling, redness
--Change in size or shape
--New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
-Make healthy lifestyle choices
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Exercise regularly
 
BSE should not be substituted for recommended mammograms or clinical breast exams. Women should learn the correct way do a BSE by asking a health care provider or calling the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast care helpline, 1-877-GO-KOMEN (465-6636).


Think Pink
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 14
MUSC Horseshoe
Come celebrate MUSC's commitment to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Activities and vendors will be on-site to promote breast cancer awareness. Wear your pink for the MUSC Think Pink photo at noon on the Horseshoe.





Friday, Oct. 9, 2009



The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.