As registered mammography technologists at North Adams Regional Hospital, we are writing to urge women in our area to be sure they are getting their annual mammogram as recommended.
Only 72 percent of local women do get their mammogram, which means thousands of other Berkshire women skip this important test that can save their lives. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin getting an annual mammogram at age 40. Younger women should be getting a clinical breast exam by a health-care provider during regular checkups (at least every three years), and all women should perform breast self-exam.
With new digital mammography, our doctors can see finer detail in mammograms and manipulate the images. Digital mammography — because it produces an image instantly — allows us to repeat the view immediately if necessary and reduce waiting times for patients.
We invite the public to see our new all-digital mammography suite and other medical imaging advances at North Adams Regional Hospital during an open house on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. We hope you will join us.
Debra Corkins
Kelly Casey
Cynthia Cote
Pauline Davis
The signers are all registered technicians in North Adams Regional Hospital's imaging department.