Copley Provides Softer Mammogram

Contact: Peter Wright

12/12/2005

For Immediate Release


Having a mammogram is not something most women look forward to. In fact, although the procedure is the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, women often avoid the procedure. Sometimes out of fear of the unknown and other times due to the discomfort it may cause. So what is the medical community doing to overcome this barrier to essential preventive care? Well, Copley Hospital recently announced a new product that eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram. This week Copley’s Radiology Department began using foam pads, called MammoPad, with their mammography service. The pads, combined with Copley’s digital mammogram now offers the community the most advanced technology the industry has to offer. The newly enhanced service can reduce the discomfort often associated with the exam. “The pad provides a softer, warmer mammogram,” states Lise Hamel, Manager Copley Radiology.
 
Hamel explained the pads are single-use and attach to the hard and often cold compression plates of the mammography machine. They are invisible to x-rays and do not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram. “The new service allows women to be more relaxed during the exam making it easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image,” continued Hamel. While the MammoPad benefits most women whatever their medical history, it is especially useful for women who have undergone breast surgery.
 
The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammography screenings. For this reason both the society of the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society recommend that women 40 and older received mammograms yearly. Unfortunately, despite all the publicity efforts nearly 40 percent of Americans don’t get regular recommended mammograms. Studies indicate the barrier to annual screening or return for annual screening is the pain associated with the exam.
 
“The new foam pads could help reverse this trend,” continued Hamel. Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death. Mammograms identify lumps that a woman’s self-exam wouldn’t find until and average age of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality.
 
Copley President and CEO, Warren West is pleased that Copley has become a provider of this softer, gentler service adding, “We’re committed to offering the most appropriate technology to our community. I hope that out digital mammogram and the new MammoPads will encourage more women to get a mammogram.” For more information about Copley’s mammography services or the MammoPad, visit Copley’s website at www.copleyvt.org or call the Copley Outreach Office at 888-8600.

Contact Information
Peter Wright
Director Planning and Marketing
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
pwright@pshift.com