Sampson Regional Medical Center and the Outpatient Diagnostics Center are working hard to come up with ways to encourage women to get their yearly mammograms by making the experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Throughout the month of October, Moonlight Mammograms have been offered at the Diagnostics Center as a way the hospital and center have created to offer women a chance to enter into a relaxed atmosphere for their mammogram service. The mammogram services are being offered every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
“The event is going great so far,” Jill Cairney, marketing coordinator for the event, said. “Mammograms are never an experience women really want to go through. They know they need to, but it isn’t something we look forward to. Being able to offer some pampering to the women who schedule during our evening event times, really helps make the experience much more pleasant.”
During the Moonlight Mammograms, women have had the chance to slip into a plush robe, receive hand spa treatments, bra fittings, chair massages and their annual screening. Free bone density screenings are also available during this event. Light refreshments are being served.
“Women are able to partake in different activities and enjoy some really good food,” Cairney said. “They are also able to enjoy a true bra size fitting compliments of Belk. All participants are entered in a chance to win weekly prizes, including a lovely pink Breast Cancer awareness bath robe. Obviously, the most important benefit is receiving their yearly mammograms which can detect cancer early on, providing the best possible prognosis for our patients.”
In the last two week’s sessions, Cairney said 26 mammograms have been performed, and 36 more are scheduled. Milley Brewington, Linda Faison and April Hicks and three ladies who took advantage of the hospital’s service.
“It’s important for woman to get their mammograms,” Faison said. “They need to be really sure, just in case they may find a lump. It’s important to get checked early.”
Faison didn’t participate in last year’s mammogram event, but said she felt the after-hours service was a benefit for woman who have a busy schedule and may not be able to get their mammograms done during the day.
There is a history of breast cancer in Faison’s family and for that reason, she decided many years ago to start getting her screenings done.
Brewington, who has a sister that was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 years ago, said she feels getting mammograms is am important way to early detection.
The after-hours services, Brewington said, are very convenient for those who work and may not otherwise be able to get the service done.
Getting a mammogram, Hicks said, was more important to her this year than ever. It has been a couple of year since her last mammogram, and someone very close to her was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Taking part in this event really brings awareness to the situation,” Hicks said.
According to Cairney, the hospital and diagnostic center’s staff, as well as the patients, are having a great time each night the mammogram services are being offered.
“SRMC and the Outpatient Diagnostic Center are extremely happy that we were able to offer this event again this year,” Cairney said. “The success not only lies in the great participation we have had and the excitement surrounding the event, but also in the fact that so many women are taking it upon themselves to obtain their yearly mammograms to increase their chances of early detection.”
Cairney pointed out that the Moonlight Mammogram event is for annual screenings only and does cost participants. Women participating may choose to use their insurance benefits, but for anyone who is paying without insurance, a discounted price will be offered. Insurance will only cover a screening mammogram one year and one day after the last date of service.
Limited space is available for the Moonlight Mammograms, so appointments are required. Appointments are still available for Oct. 22, 27 and 29. To schedule your appointment, call 910-592-2689.