’s
October 4, 2013 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that death rates from breast cancer in the United States have dropped 34% since 1990. However, by the end of 2013, an estimated 232,340 women will be diagnosed and an estimated 39,620 will die with invasive breast cancer. At the medical center, specially trained technologists and doctors continue to work to diagnose and treat breast changes that may be cancer. Some of the services that provide an increased likelihood of early cancer detection include digital mammography and same day surgical biopsies. To increase awareness of this disease within the local community, SCKMC will give each woman receiving a mammogram screening during the month of October a certificate for a free mammogram screening to donate to someone in need. For more information about this offer, or to schedule an appointment contact the SCKMC radiology department at 441-5770.
Flu Vaccine Campaign Oct. 7 - 11 Infection Prevention Coordinator, Joanne Holman, and Nursing Services Manager, Shelley Pinnegar, will be visiting every department within SCKMC next week in an effort to reach our hospital wide goal of a 95% vaccination rate. It is highly recommended that anyone working within a healthcare setting receive the flu vaccine. Staff who miss the opportunity to receive the vaccine should contact Holman or Pinnegar to schedule an appointment, or seek the vaccine from any of the public providers within the community. Vaccines are available at a variety of places within Ark City such as the health department, local pharmacies, and your family physician’s office.
Employee of the Month Shawna Hayes, Technician for the Information Technology department, is the Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of October! She was nominated by her coworkers for always being willing to help out at a moment's notice. Pictured: Shawna (right) with CFO, Holly Harper.
Healthy Living: Breast Cancer Awareness The best way to find breast cancer early is with a mammogram. If you are a woman age 50 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. What are the symptoms of breast cancer? When breast cancer starts out, it is too small to feel and does not cause signs or symptoms. As it grows, breast cancer can cause changes in how the breast looks or feels. Symptoms may include: •New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). •Thickening or swelling of part of the breast. •Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. •Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. •Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. •Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. •Any change in the size or the shape of the breast. •Pain in any area of the breast. What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Having mammograms regularly can lower your risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram. Why should I have a mammogram? Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives. How can I lower my risk of breast cancer? •Control your weight and exercise. •Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a parent, sibling, son or daughter with breast cancer, ask your doctor about your risk of getting breast cancer. •Find out the risks/benefits of hormone replacement therapy. •Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Learn more about breast cancer at www.cdc.gov.
Experience a new type of
mammography.
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. At the medical center, specially trained technologists and doctors work together to diagnose and treat breast changes that may be cancer. From mammography to same day surgical biopsies, we have the team to provide an increased likelihood of early detection. Now with digital mammography early detection is even easier. Experience a gentle exam in less time than usual, with exceptional quality for diagnostic accuracy. Call 441-5770 to schedule your appointment today.
Throughout October, pay the regular price or allow us to bill your insurance for a mammogram screening and you will receive a certificate for a free mammogram screening* to give to your sister, mother, friend, or to donate to someone in need. *RADIOLOGIST’S INTERPRETATION FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS OFFER.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org