For Immediate Release: October 1, 2007

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, 44306

St. John’s Hospital introduces digital mammography

Real Men Wear Pink campaign returns to raise breast cancer awareness

SPRINGFIELD – Women who have mammograms performed at St. John’s Hospital now benefit from digital imaging technology that provides higher quality screenings and shorter exam times for test results.  St. John’s Hospital observed the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month today by unveiling two new digital imaging suites located in the Carol Jo Vecchie Women and Children’s Center.

“Digital mammography is very modern, flexible technology,” said radiologist Dr. Jill Sullivan.  “The images are especially useful in identifying low-contrast lesions and subtle calcium deposits, which may indicate a very early stage of malignancy.”

Digital mammography allows for images of the breast to be viewed immediately on a computer screen in the exam room so the patient isn’t left waiting while the technologist leaves to process film. The technologist can quickly determine if re-takes or additional angles are needed.

Sullivan adds that a nationwide study comparing digital and film mammography showed that digital mammography was a better cancer detection tool for certain groups of patients, especially women under age 50 and perimenopausal women with denser breast tissue.

It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.  The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin getting annual mammograms at the age of 40.

At a cost of $906,000, the digital mammography equipment was funded through gifts made to the Friends of St. John's Hospital.

In an effort to encourage women to get their annual mammogram, St. John’s and the American Cancer Society have joined together again to promote “Real Men Wear Pink.”  The public awareness campaign recruits local men from different walks of life to pose for pictures wearing pink apparel.  The pictures are used in printed materials that encourage men to wear pink on Fridays during October as a visible reminder to women to get their annual mammogram.

“Real Men Wear Pink not only gets the message out about the importance of annual screening, but also encourages men to help their loved ones take the next step to make an appointment and get a mammogram,” emphasized Dr. Thomas Robbins, American Cancer Society Regional Board President and Director of the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute. “It really targets two key areas - raising overall awareness and encouraging people to be pro-active about their health needs.”

“By reminding women about the importance of an annual mammogram, we have a better chance of detecting breast cancer at an early stage," said Dr. Sullivan, a radiologist at St. John’s Hospital. “The earlier we can detect breast cancer, the greater the chance for survival and the fewer the complications in treating the disease.”

During October, Jim Herron Ltd. and Jos A. Bank men’s clothing stores in Springfield will donate $1 for every item of pink apparel they sell during the month to support breast cancer support services at St. John’s Hospital.  In addition, the Lincoln Land Community College women’s volleyball team will donate proceeds from its October 26 match against Lincoln College.

For a complete calendar of events and more information about the mammography program and Carol Jo Vecchie Women’s Services at St. John’s Hospital, please visit www.caroljowomen.org.  For more information about the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org.