Press Release

Burgess Offers Three Good Reasons to Schedule a Mammogram

When women come for mammograms at Burgess Health Center this fall they will see a Radiology Department undergoing major remodeling as part of the hospital’s ongoing renovation plan.

The mammography suite is being relocated, expanded and updated with new color schemes, according to Jenny Coble, radiology director. The new area will include a private changing area and dedicated education area. Work should be completed by the holidays.

“Our new area will be very nice,” says Coble. “It will enhance the experience of coming for a mammogram.”

The renovation is part of a series of advancements in mammography at Burgess. Several years ago, the hospital began using MammoPad foam cushions to make the screening experience more comfortable.

The department followed that by obtaining “Second Look,” a computerized screening system that produces a laser-printed report which alerts a radiologist to take a closer look. The system can reveal subtle changes in breast tissue that might escape detection on film.

In the past year the department started offering mammograms on Saturdays to offer more convenience to area women.

Some 1,000 women receiving mammograms at Burgess each year are benefiting from the advancements, which now continue with department renovation, says Coble. A mammogram, which takes just 15 minutes, can detect breast cancer at its earliest most curable stage, she says. Discount coupons are available again this October to promote screenings at Burgess as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Area women should have a baseline mammogram by age of 40, Coble says. Then they should get a mammogram every year as long as they remain in good health. To schedule a mammogram at Burgess, call 712-423-9363.