JRMC raises money for new 3D mammography

By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     After just over a year of fundraising, UnityPoint Health–Jones Regional Medical Center will soon offer 3D mammography. The innovative technology will be available to patients yet this spring right here in Jones County.

     According to Sheila Tjaden, Community Development director at JRMC, the fundraising campaign started in December 2015 and included donations from so many people.

     “Donations came from literally all over the community, with gifts of $5 on up,” shared Tjaden. She said the donations stemmed from children to estate gifts.

     In addition, JRMC and other entities held events last year to help raise the funds needed for the $400,000 3D technology. Those included golf tournaments, pink out days, grilling for charity events, memorial gifts, and the third annual Pink in the Park walk.

     Cara Milder Forbes, director of Imaging/Radiology at JRMC, offered that the hospital was able to raise just over $200,000. To cover the remaining costs, she said they were granted capital funds.

     “Our community is so extremely supportive with projects they are passionate about and can make a difference,” commended Tjaden. “This project will allow our people to have the latest technology for breast exams right here in our hospital; no need to drive to a larger city.”

     Tjaden said allowing people to remain in Jones County, or even attract people to JRMC from surrounding counties creates a ripple effect in terms of economic growth. Allowing people to seek the care they need locally rather than travel to larger cities also results in less time off work for those patients.

     So will the 3D mammography differ from that of a traditional mammogram? Forbes explained the process “remains basically the same.

     “3D mammography takes multiple low dose images of the breast at different angles, resulting in a series of one millimeter thick slices that can be viewed individually and as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.”

     Forbes added that it’s a benefit for them to be able to view a patient’s breast in thinner image sections, increasing the ability to find smaller lesions. This also decreases any confusion caused by images with overlapping tissue.

     “The benefits of 3D mammography include early detection, less anxiety due to call-backs for additional imaging and reduced medical costs for patients,” said Forbes.

     Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women; lung cancer being the first. Forbes offered that according to the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging, it is recommended that women receive an annual mammogram beginning at the age of 40. If there is a family history of cancer, Forbes urges patients to consult with their doctor.

     “Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life,” said Forbes. “The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival.”

     If breast cancer is detected early enough, Forbes said the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. Using 3D mammography compared to the conventional 2D method, studies have shown a 41 percent increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers and a 29 percent increase in the detection of all breast cancers.

     “We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide our patients with the highest technology available in the fight against breast cancer,” praised Forbes.

     JRMC does not have an official installation date for the 3D mammography, but hopes to start offering the service later this spring.

     For more information, visit www.unitypoint.org/anamosa.

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