The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women 40 years and older. All women should talk to their physician about when to start screening. The goal of screening for breast cancer is to find it BEFORE it causes symptoms (like a lump that can be felt).

Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District (SHCHD) has a new mammography suite with state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained staff, and additional service days for patients. These service enhancements are geared to meet the needs of all women obtaining their annual mammogram: high quality, fast, comfortable, timely, and close to home.

The new mammography suite was created to improve the overall patient experience. “It just feels so nice to have a space that is more relaxing and comfortable for our patients”, reports Lora Simone, Radiology Manager and Licensed Mammographic Radiologic Technologist.

The new, full-field, digital mammography equipment in the mammography suite provides improved images because of its high sensitivity. In addition, the images are “direct capture” which means they can be processed on-site, viewed immediately, and sent directly to the radiologist for review. Along with the new equipment, SHCHD has a new team in its Radiology Department, this includes Lora Simone who recently completed additional mammography training and is highly skilled at using the new equipment.

Mammography services are now available one Tuesday and one Saturday per month. Changes in hours will be made, if patients find that other days are preferable. Additional hours will be added if there is a need. If you have comments about service availability, please contact Lora Simone directly at LSimone@shchd.org or call 707/923-3921, ext. 240.

SHCHD, Staff writer