Piecing It All Together- Hospital Provides Comprehensive Breast Care Services

The mammography department at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) invites members of the public to attend an Open House on Friday, October 19 from noon until 2:00pm.

This event, planned in conjunction with Breast Health Awareness Month, focuses on the importance of having annual mammograms. Women are encouraged to attend the Open House and to schedule a mammogram appointment.

The department is especially reaching out to women who are 40-years of age. “We want women to practice good breast care throughout their lives,” said Carla Cann, chief mammography technician at KEMH. “We are urging every woman who turns 40 to have an annual mammogram.”

The theme of Breast Health Awareness Month, Piecing It All Together, refers to comprehensive services offered at the hospital. Accredited by the American College of Radiology, the department provides screening and diagnostic mammogram, ultra sound, stereotactic biopsy, breast biopsy and follow-up care, all carried out in the same place by qualified radiologists and technologists.

“We offer a continuum of care and service,” said Ms. Cann. “Women who come to the hospital are able to have everything done in one place and in a timely manner.”

There is good news to report on the fight against breast cancer- mortality rates for this disease have actually declined over the past two decades.

“Earlier detection through screening, improved treatment and changes in risk factors have all contributed to these declining rates,” said Dr. Terence Sparling, Director of Oncology for Bermuda Hospitals Board. “Early detection continues to be the best protection for women. If a woman is 40-years old or older, she should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their healthcare providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.”

“It is vital for women to take an active role in protecting their health,” said Ms. Cann. “Regular breast self-exams, annual check-ups with a physician and regularly scheduled mammograms should be a part of every women’s regime.”

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