News/Events
Think Healthy | October - November 2009
Mammography Matters —
Especially in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Friend, aunt, mother, sister, daughter … each of us knows someone who has had breast cancer. Hearing the diagnosis can be overwhelming and with it comes decisions that need to be made—related to family, work, and the course of treatment for the breast cancer itself.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the country. One out of eight women will develop breast cancer. Unfortunately, women in Jasper, Newton, and surrounding counties are not scheduling mammograms as suggested by their physicians. In 2007, 34 percent of women in our community did not have a mammogram or clinical breast exam.
Many women do not seek screening simply because they don’t realize that finding precancerous cells means doctors can very often stop cancer before it becomes invasive. Essentially, early detection is key. The sooner breast cancer is discovered, the better a patient’s chance of survival. It is more important now, than ever, that convenient access to the most advanced breast health resources is available.
In a continuing commitment to the health of our community, St. John’s Regional Medical Center is dedicated to enhancing the lives of women, giving hope to those who receive mammograms. By doing so, our goal is to increase the number of women whose lives will be saved by participating in the breast health program at St. John’s Sister Corita Holmes Center for Breast Care.
Friend, aunt, mother, sister, daughter … every woman deserves the chance to work, play, and care for her loved ones.
St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation has adopted “Mammography Matters”—a campaign to raise awareness and $1.2 million to purchase diagnostic equipment.
You have the power to minimize breast cancer’s impact on thousands of women, their families, and potentially someone you know. Please do everything you can to help St. John’s compassionate medical team defeat breast cancer—and give hope to women in our community.
To donate to “Mammography Matters,” please call the Foundation office at 417-625-2266, donate online at www.stj.com, or send a gift to the St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation, 3001 McClelland Blvd., Joplin, MO 64804.
St. John’s Sister Corita Holmes Center For Breast Care
The region’s most comprehensive breast care is provided in a compassionate environment by a dedicated staff that includes an on-site radiologist. A coordinated effort between the Breast Center, primary care physicians, surgeons, and pathologists allows a diagnosis to be made quickly after a breast problem has been identified. Services include:
- Screening and diagnostic mammography
- R2 ImageChecker
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Minimally invasive biopsy options
- Consultation with the mammographer
- Second opinion consultation
- High-risk genetic counseling
- Breast self-exam training
- Bone density/osteoporosis evaluation