JEFFERSON, Iowa – This October, Greene County Medical Center’s Imaging Department is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a simple reminder: Where hope is planted, beauty grows.
For Imaging Director, Heather Booth, that hope begins with taking care of yourself. “Sometimes planting hope means simply making the appointment or taking advantage of a walk-in mammogram,” she explained. “A mammogram is a small investment of time that can provide important information about your breast health. We want to make that process as easy and as comfortable as possible.”
Breast cancer is not just a national issue, it affects our neighbors, families and friends. In Greene County, an estimated eight women per year were diagnosed with breast cancer from 2018-2022. The age-adjusted incident rate was 138 per 100,000 women during the same period.
Greene County Medical Center offers 3D mammography for both screening and diagnostic needs, along with additional breast imaging such as compression views, magnification views and breast ultrasounds. The Imaging Team is actively training now for the addition of MRI breast imagery soon. Walk-In Mammo Mondays are also available for qualified patients.
During October, there is a little extra encouragement to make that appointment. Everyone receiving a mammogram during October will receive a flower and gift. Plus, patients will receive a $5 gift card to the Greene County Medical Center Auxiliary’s Gift Garden gift shop with their mammogram in October and with every mammogram thereafter. “The flower is a reminder that something small can grow into something beautiful,” Booth said. “Taking a few minutes for your health can be that same kind of a beginning.”
The Imaging Team will also be taking the message of breast cancer awareness into the community. Join them at the October 16th Rams’ home game to help support Breast Cancer Awareness month and learn more about the importance of screening.
Our community members are invited to get the conversation started even sooner at the Jefferson Matters Java & Juice at Greene County Medical Center on Friday, October 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the main lobby. This event offers coffee and juice along with information about what is happening during this recognition month and at the medical center in general.
Whether it’s a lobby, a ballfield or in the Imaging Department, Booth hopes the message encourages people to take that first step. “Your health is worth it. Plant a little hope for your future by getting that mammogram.”
To schedule a mammogram or get more information about breast imaging at Greene County medical Center, contact the Imaging Department at 515-386-0443.