October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers? About one in eight women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Virgil Robertson, lead clinician at the Rural Health Clinic says, “The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that women start getting annual mammograms at age 40 and that is the recommendation we follow here at the Rural Health Clinic.”

Patients scheduling mammograms at Mountains Community Hospital can rest assured they are getting the most advanced diagnostic technology. MCH uses the Genius 3D mammography machine by Hologic, Inc. 3D mammography exams have been clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while at the same time decreasing the number of patients asked to return for additional testing. This means less unnecessary worry, as well as less exposure to radiation for the patient.

Throughout October, patients getting a mammogram at MCH will receive a goodie bag (while supplies last). They can also enter for a chance to win a pink hat or necklace, courtesy of eLAvate High Gear, purveyor of home goods and gear representing Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding mountain communities. There will be eight winners throughout the month. We are so grateful to eLAvate for donating these items to help make annual screenings a little less stressful and a little more fun.

To schedule a mammogram, call the MCH Radiology Department at (909) 436-3130.