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
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