ESH Radiology Team Embraces Pink October, Promotes Early Breast Cancer Detection

Members of the Excelsior Springs Hospital's Radiology Dept.: Melea Doolittle, Samantha Henson, Chelsey Wilson, Shelley Simmons, Angela Dotson, Mallory Miller, Courtney Jones, and Tonya Deason (photo ESH).

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, M0. (Oct. 19, 2024) – For many, breast cancer awareness month is just a health campaign held every October. For two local radiology specialists, Tonya Deason, Director of Radiology, and Courtney Jones, Radiologist Technologist of Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH), it’s a time to act as they share the importance of yearly mammograms and local initiatives geared toward helping those in need of mammography services. 

Since 2018, Excelsior Springs Hospital has offered 3D mammography services to the local community and surrounding areas. Deason explained that the imaging tools available at the local hospital and at the community’s fingertips make screening for breast cancer “easy and convenient while being close to home.” This gives people the option to stay local while receiving lifesaving care. 

In addition to having a 3D mammogram diagnostic imaging machine known as a MAMMOMAT unit, the hospital also uses computer-aided detection to help the radiologist department obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible during each screening. Deason said the mammography department at ESH is fully accredited through the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and has had zero deficiency inspections within the Quality Standards Act, making ESH a top-notch facility in which to receive mammography care. 

The MAMMOMAT unit at Excelsior Springs Hospital is just one of the may tools used to help monitor breast health (photo ESH).

Jones expressed the need to receive a mammogram, which is suggested for those aged 35-40, with yearly screenings starting at age 40 and older. She inclined that most insurance providers will cover an annual screening and that early detection is key in the diagnostic process, as most people who are diagnosed don’t have a family history of the disease. 

“If you don’t get checked and checked often, then you don’t know what’s going on,” Jones said.   

She mentioned some cases of breast cancer that begin before a lump is even felt in the breast tissue, and the ESH 3D mammography device can find a problem before someone can feel it. The procedure conducted at the hospital, according to Jones, takes as little as 10 minutes to complete and mentioned that patients are welcome to schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as walk-in appointments if necessary. 

Along with ESH conducting screenings this month in lieu of breast cancer awareness, both women mentioned that for each person coming in for a mammogram in October, the hospital is giving away a free gift bag for each exam conducted. 

In addition, the hospital supports and sponsors the Pink Ribbon Fund, a local initiative for the uninsured and underinsured. The fund, sponsored through ESH, sells breast cancer awareness long-sleeve shirts and regular tee shirts through the month of October. According to Jones, each purchase goes toward helping patients receive diagnostic breast cancer care or follow-up appointments. 

Jones mentioned that the radiology team at ESH works and helps one another not just to aid those who need mammography services but also with other modalities. She and Deason believe every day is a beautiful day to help save lives. 

For a full list of comprehensive radiological care being offered at ESH or to purchase a Pink Ribbon fund shirt, visit www.eshospital.org/services/imaging-radiology and www.eshospital.org/pink-ribbon-t-shirt-fundraiser.  To schedule a screening for mammography services, call (816) 629-2700.

Helping the community has Courtney Jones singing in the rain! (photo ESH).

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