The impact that breast cancer has on the nation, and in our community,
is widely felt. Breast cancer does not discriminate by age, race or economic
status. In fact, one in every eight women will develop invasive breast
cancer at some point in her life.
Mammography is an important tool for detecting the first signs of cancer.
As technology improves, cancer can be detected earlier. When cancer is
found earlier, survival rates improve. That is why Mile Bluff Medical
Center is ready to bring 3D mammography to Mauston.
Currently, 2D mammography is available in Mile Bluff’s Medical Imaging
Department. “With the machine we have now, we are able to get two
views of the breast, straight on and lateral,” explains mammographer
Laurie Jensen. “Our equipment is very good and detailed, but technology
is always improving. We really need 3D mammography at Mile Bluff because
in addition to the two dimensions we currently use, the 3D technology
also shows the depth in the breast where a problem may exist.”
Studies show that 3D mammography can
- Improve detection of breast cancer in women of all ages
- Provide clearer images, regardless of breast tissue density
- Increase early detection of smaller, more invasive cancers
- Decrease false-positive results and call-backs for additional imaging tests
Mile Bluff’s new equipment will produce clearer and enriched breast
images, while also helping to reduce fear, worry and anxiety for patients
undergoing screening. Mile Bluff’s new machine will feature a SensorySuite
that utilizes sight, scent, and sound to distract women from the perceived
discomfort, pain, and anxiety of a mammogram.
When undergoing a mammogram, women will be able to choose from a display
of soothing videos and relaxing sounds. A scent diffuser will provide
a calming fragrance to help put patients at ease. The new machine will
also allow women to control the amount of compression used during the exam.
In addition to the SensorySuite, Mile Bluff will be able to provide stereotactic
biopsies in Mauston with the new equipment. When a lump or questionable
area is discovered in the breast, a patient may undergo a biopsy to further
assess if breast cancer is present. Stereotactic biopsies can be used
to diagnose cancer cells in breast tissue.
Using a mammogram machine to pinpoint the suspicious area, a radiologist
uses two images of the breast to take a sample of tissue for testing.
Previously, Mile Bluff did not have the capabilities to perform these
biopsies and patients needed to travel to a larger facility. Now this
service will be available in Mauston, keeping patients close to home with
a healthcare team they know.
“I really think the 3D technology is another step up the ladder to
improve on the exceptional care patients expect from Mile Bluff,”
explains Laurie. “As a small town community in a rural setting,
I think it will be great that we can bring this ‘big city’
technology to Mauston. We will have the technology needed to take care
of patients so they don’t have to travel to the larger facilities
to receive the testing they need.”
Patients depend on Mile Bluff to offer the most accurate screenings, with
the latest technology. Mile Bluff and its foundation are looking for your
help to support the purchase of this life-saving technology.
The cost of 3D mammography equipment is around $450,000. Projects of this
magnitude are made easier when supported by donors who believe in the
mission of providing exceptional healthcare at the local level.
Opportunities to support this project include:
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Donate: Make a financial contribution to the foundation. Make a donation
online or by check. All your donations (whether individual or as a company) to
Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation are tax-deductible.
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Fundraise: Plan your own fundraiser. Whether it’s working with your fellow
employees to have a jeans day, holding a bake sale, or creating an internal
fundraising competition at work, every donation helps.
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The Giving Circle: If you want to become further involved in this life-saving effort, become
a founder of the Giving Circle. A giving circle is formed when individuals
come together to give to a unifying cause. Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation
is seeking 100 founders to help support the purchase of the 3D mammography
equipment for Mauston. Each founder will be asked to commit to collecting
at least $500 in pledges from neighbors, family members, co-workers and friends.
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Participate: In August we will be accepting entries into the ‘Bras for a Cause’
contest. Be on the lookout for more information.
Bringing 3D mammography to Mile Bluff is an investment in healthcare excellence
and is truly a gift to the entire region. With this equipment we will
be able to provide world-class breast cancer screenings locally. To learn
more about 3D mammography and the impact it can have on our community, visit
https://milebluff3dmammogram.hc.digital/.
If you would like to join the Giving Circle as a founder or would like
to donate to the cause in other ways, contact foundation executive director,
Martha Airth-Kindree at 608-847-1495 to discuss your participation in
this initiative.