Free Mammograms Offered in Coaldale
Through Funding from The Susan G. Komen NEPA Mammography Screening Program - Services available to uninsured and underinsured women through March 31, 2009
Coaldale, PA (2/4/2009) – St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital Radiology Manager Sally Zaloga announced today that the hospital will be providing free breast health services to uninsured and underinsured women in the area. Funding received through the Susan G. Komen NEPA Mammography Screening Program provides St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with the opportunity to provide free screening and diagnostic mammograms. Funding is limited and services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis through the end of March 2009.
“It is important for women to have the opportunity to receive breast health care every year. With the funding that we've received through Susan G. Komen for the Cure we expect to treat women who, unfortunately, may not have set up a mammogram appointment otherwise. With the use of our digital mammography equipment, we hope to either help set women's minds at ease or detect and diagnose breast cancer patients earlier and more accurately,” said Zaloga.
St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital announced the addition of a digital mammography system in 2008. The system is designed to provide physicians with clear and precise all-digital images rather than on X-ray film.
Zaloga added, “The digital mammography system provides the most advanced care for our patients and provides outstanding quality and clear, highly-detailed images. It offers a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women will all breast tissue types. Our radiologist strives to read every digital mammogram during the patients visit so the woman leaves her appointment having a precise diagnosis and knowing what next steps need to be taken for good breast health.”
“I encourage all women who are eligible, or would like to confirm their eligibility, to receive the free mammography services to call our Radiology Department as soon as possible. Our staff will work with the patient to schedule an appointment that is convenient for them,” said Zaloga.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 get an annual mammogram, obtain an annual clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional and perform monthly breast self-exams. Women with a history of breast cancer should see their family physician or OB/GYN for a mammogram earlier. A script from a physician is needed to get a mammogram.
Free mammograms and digital mammography are available at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, 360 West Ruddle Street, in Coaldale. For more information on eligibility for the free mammograms or to schedule an appointment, please call St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital Radiology Department directly at 570-645-8144.
