Mobile mammography makes screening more convenient, accessible
Date: 10/18/2024
Fewer than one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men. Unfortunately, Kim Bussell’s great uncle was lost to the disease. Kim knows that her family history puts her at greater risk for developing breast cancer.
“I started to have my mammograms before it was even recommended because of him. I’ve been trying to stay up on mammograms just because I have a male in the family that is deceased from breast cancer,” she says.
Kim, a hospital laboratory manager, has previously been screened using older, hospital-based mammography machines. She recently had her first 3D mammogram in Northern Light CA Dean Hospital’s new mobile mammography unit. She was impressed by how quick and easy it was to complete her screening.
“It was wonderful. It was warm and inviting, and I was surprised by how spacious and private it is. The radiology staff was awesome. It took them all of 10 minutes to get me checked in and do the mammogram,” she says.
The radiologist read Kim’s mammogram quickly and referred her to Northern Light Mayo Hospital for an ultrasound to examine cysts that were picked up by the screening. The initial screening and follow-up ultrasound gives Kim peace of mind that if an issue is discovered, it will be found early. She encourages anyone who is due for a mammogram to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment.
“It’s a simple exam, it’s not invasive at all. Don’t be deterred because it’s uncomfortable or because it’s a mobile unit. We have state-of-the-art technology right here in Greenville, and women shouldn’t hesitate to get it done here—it could save a life.”
Mammograms are recommended for most women beginning at age 40 because early detection allows treatment to begin sooner when cancer is easier to treat. CA Dean and Mayo Hospital’s women’s health navigator, funded by a Maine Cancer Foundation grant, is available to help women overcome barriers to care such as scheduling issues, cost and insurance concerns, feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed, and more.
To learn more or
schedule a screening, please call
207.564.4353.
CA Team goes pink for breast cancer awareness
On Friday, October 4, the CA Dean team joined Northern Light Health employees statewide in wearing pink (and pink ribbons, too!) for breast cancer awareness. Their message was simple: keep current on self-screening and mammograms because early detection makes a big difference.
The pink ribbon is a powerful, universal symbol for breast cancer worn across the country in October to raise awareness, honor and remember those affected by cancer, and celebrate the progress made in treatment and research.
5,000 miles of mobile mammography
The CA Dean and Mayo Hospital mammography team recently celebrated a big milestone: the odometer on the mobile mammography unit just crossed 5,000 miles. Nearly 160 women have been screened at the mobile mammography unit’s home base in Greenville and at health centers in Jackman and Monson since screening began in the spring of 2024. Plans are underway to visit other communities in the coming months. Upcoming screening dates can be viewed at northernlighthealth.org/mobilemammo.