JRMC unveils new 3D mammogram technology

     After a year and a half of fundraising, UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center is now home to a 3D mammography machine.

     On June 14, the hospital in Anamosa held an open house, thanking those who donated toward the effort.

     “This has been a great project to be a part of,” shared JRMC Community Development Director Sheila Tjaden.

     “Without all of you, without your advocacy for great local healthcare, none of this would be possible,” praised JRMC CEO Eric Briesemeister.

     One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer some time in their life.

     “No one wants to win that lottery,” said Briesemeister. “So because of your support, we’re able to offer this technology that allows us to detect breast cancer earlier and have better detection so we can help you avoid cancer; that word that none of us wants to hear.”

     Also speaking at the event was Suzanne Goodman, whose mother Marie A. Petersen was a 28-year breast cancer survivor. Petersen, a resident of Anamosa, passed away in 2015 at the age of 92. After her mother passed, Goodman chose to donate from the estate to help JRMC fund the 3D mammography project.

     “I am extremely proud to be a very small part of this grand opening,” said Goodman.

     She praised the staff and JRMC facility overall for the top-notch care her mother received while living out her final days due to a blood clot in her lungs.

     “This facility will save many lives through early breast cancer detection and give so much hope and promise to men and women facing the diagnosis,” said Goodman. “It was through facilities like the one you have here and the staff of this hospital that got my mother through the really dark days.”

     Goodman said she finally saw peace in Petersen, something that had been missing for a long time, thanks for the care she received at JRMC.

     While her parents were not wealthy people, Goodman said she knew they would want “to donate to those who could do the most good for others.

     “The fact that mom was a breast cancer survivor, I decided that it would be very fitting to donate” toward the new 3D mammography project.

     Goodman urged everyone to consider giving toward JRMC “that we are so fortunate to have.

     “To have this hospital available in a time of need is truly a blessing,” she concluded.

     The imaging department staff was also on hand for the occasion, led by Imaging Director Cara Milder Forbes. She introduced both Jill Darrow and Shelly Kromminga, describing them as the faces of the imaging program at JRMC.

     Forbes said 3D technology has been proven to show results, reducing the number of false positive breast exams.

     “That will lead to reducing the number of callbacks, additional imaging, and the associated patient anxiety,” she said. “It’s also proven to detect tumors earlier, saving lives.”

     Since JRMC started offering 3D mammograms in May, they’ve performed 150 of them. While it’s too early to give hard figures as far as how the new technology is impacting patients’ lives, Forbes said they have seen a change in how personal physicians are having patients proceed with additional imaging.

     “Whether we go right to an ultrasound rather than do another mammogram, we are seeing differences,” offered Forbes.

     JRMC performed 1,400 mammograms last year.

     Forbes said there is so much information out there concerning the age at which women should have their first mammogram. The radiologists at JRMC recommend a yearly mammogram for women beginning at the age of 40 “for those who have a normal health risk for breast cancer.” After that, she said to continue annually until the age of 75. At that age, it’s recommended to contact your doctor regarding your risk of breast cancer.

     “Each of you played an important role in our ability to fight breast cancer,” praised Forbes. “We are very grateful for your gift.”