Friday, September 2 – The new state-of-the-art Imaging Unit that is expected to become fully operational during the month of September is pleased to announce to the Virgin Islands Community that appointments can now be made for mammogram services. Speaking with the Medical Imaging Manager, Dr. Jonas Ebarle in reference to the updated mammogram services that will resume at Peebles Hospital, Dr. Ebarle said “Breast screening and early detection is the most effective way to treat any form of abnormality of the breast tissue.
Dr. Ebarle added, “The new Imagining Unit that is expected to fully open in a few weeks, will also include MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays with the most modern and updated equipment available in the Virgin Islands and the region. We are completing the final touches on the entire unit however the mammogram services are completed therefore we are making this service available again to the public with immediate effect.” A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal.
A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam. It is used for women who have no breast complaints and for women who have breast symptoms, such as a change in the shape or size of a breast, a lump, nipple discharge, or pain.
It is recommended that women over the age of 40 years should have a mammogram exam annually and women who have a family history of breast cancer should speak with their primary physician as to what age to begin annual mammograms. In support of women’s health within the community the members of the Sensus Free Mammogram Programme presented the BVIHSA with 100 gift vouchers to assist women in the Virgin Islands with mammogram testing. Mike and Lisa Adamson, who are the founders of the programme, presented the gift vouchers totaling over $20,000 to the Health Authority.
The Free Mammogram programme which was started in 2007 by the Natures Little Secret Cycling Club and later adopted by the Sensus Health Club in 2010 has helped nearly 700 women todate. Persons wishing to make an appointment are asked to call 852-7560 right away. Persons interested in obtaining a free mammogram gift voucher can contact any Community Health Centre, throughout the Territory, the Outpatient Specialty Clinic or the Mental Health Unit located in the old Peebles Hospital by calling 852-7500. Women’s Care at the BVIHSA offers the full spectrum of women’s health care services, including yearly checkups, mammograms, prenatal care and advanced gynecologic surgeries.
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British Virgin Islands News