Aultman Carrollton Now Offers Mammograms

Early Detection Saves Lives!
CARROLLTON, Ohio (Oct. 9, 2009) – Are you due for your annual mammogram? Now there’s no excuse to delay the life-saving screening to detect breast cancer, according to Carrollton’s DiAnne Buck, because of the care now being done locally.

Mammograms detect 80-90 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms and are recommended to be done annually in women 40 and older. Risk for breast cancer increases with age.

Mrs. Buck was the first patient to receive a mammogram at Aultman Carrollton’s new unit on Oct. 7. “I’m so excited to be No. 1,” she said. 

Through the years, she faithfully travelled to other Aultman facilities, usually in North Canton, for her annual mammogram because she knew how important preventative health care measures are.

In fact, the retired English teacher of 40 years, said with a laugh, “For me, an ounce of pressure is equal to a pound of peace of mind,” playing with the words of the old prevention and treatment adage.

In addition to convenience and accessibility, Mrs. Buck was especially pleased to see people she knew and trusted providing the care right here in her own community.

“The mammo tech is a former student of mine, so I know the quality will be excellent.  I know first hand she is conscientious and competent, not to mention personable.”

Aultman Carrollton now offers mammogram appointments Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Board-certified radiologists read mammography films and provide a fast referral to the Aultman Breast Care Center located in the hospital if a suspicious area is discovered, so there’s less worrying.

Mammograms are covered every 12 months by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance for women 40 and older, or younger and more frequently in certain cases. If you don’t have insurance, there are programs to assist in covering the cost.

To schedule a mammogram, call Aultman Centralized Scheduling at 330-363-6288; please note that a physician referral is required.  For questions about mammograms, call Aultman Carrollton at 330-627-0091.

Online Assessment
Through Oct. 31, Aultman is encouraging women to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by taking an online assessment at www.AultmanBreastAware.com. It takes just a few minutes to complete the confidential questionnaire to evaluate risk, and those at high-risk for breast cancer are invited to a free consultation with an Aultman clinician. To sweeten the deal, Aultman is treating online participants to a free pink smoothie at Scooters (coupons valid through Oct. 31). Further details are available on the Web site.

Breast Health 101
According to the American Caner Society, besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Nearly 193,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during 2009. And sadly, 40,000 women will die from the disease this year.

Often, there are no symptoms of breast cancer, but signs of breast cancer can include a breast lump or an abnormal mammogram. If you detect a lump in your breast, it's very important to have a doctor examine it promptly. Thankfully, an abnormal lump in the breast doesn't always mean breast cancer.

Breast cancer stages range from early, curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, with a variety of breast cancer treatments. There are different types of breast cancer.

Breast cancer in men is not uncommon and male breast cancer must be taken seriously.
An ultrasound exam, an MRI, a biopsy, or other follow-up tests may be needed to learn more about a suspicious area or breast change.

• Doctors can’t make any promises, but some habits -- like exercise and a healthy diet -- may cut your risk of breast cancer. All women:
  40 and older should get a yearly mammogram.
• 20 to 39 should undergo clinical breast examination at least once every three years.

Family history of breast or ovarian cancer have been shown to increase risk for breast cancer, particularly if the relative developed cancer at a younger age.

About Aultman
Aultman Carrollton is located at 1020 Trump Road in Carrollton; the facility also offers immediate-care services for minor injuries and illnesses; fitness memberships to the public; outpatient lab; diagnostic testing; cardiac rehabilitation and sports medicine services.

Mrs. DiAnne Buck, the first patient to be screening on the new mammography unit at
Aultman Carrollton, shares a moment with mammography technician Carol Powers.