McLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 2 MAY 2014

Cheraw Family Medicine is pleased to announce the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit will be making ongoing visits to the practice for patients and the public.

Upcoming appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on:

·        Monday, May 19, 2014

·        Wednesday, June 18, 2014

·        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

·        Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Cheraw Family Medicine is located at 710 Chesterfield Highway in Cheraw.

Women may schedule a mammogram on the mobile unit by calling McLeod Reservations and Scheduling at (843) 777 – 2095. Please mention that you are scheduling an appointment on the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit and the date of the visit. No order is required unless you are under age 40, or if required by your physician (not required for patients of Cheraw Family Medicine).

About the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit    

The Mobile Mammography Unit provides a convenient, comfortable and private setting in which women can undergo a screening mammogram, or a digital X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.

An onsite mammogram in the mobile unit is just as safe, accurate, and confidential as going to a hospital. The state-of-the-art equipment on the unit is identical to the three digital units located in the McLeod Breast Imaging Center. An all-female team of registered radiological technologists with advanced training in the discipline of mammography staff the mobile unit.

The same board certified radiologists who read mammograms at McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Darlington, and McLeod Dillon interpret all mammograms performed on the mobile unit. After the images are read, a report is sent to the patient’s referring physician, and a result letter is sent to the patient. This process is exactly the same as if a woman had her mammogram performed at the hospital; the only difference is that the hospital comes to her. The unit is accredited by the American College of Radiologists and was purchased by the McLeod Health Foundation through funds donated by generous supporters.

A mammogram is an exam in which the breast(s) are imaged during compression in four views (two pictures of each breast). Patients with implants require extra views in order to image breast tissue around or behind the implant. You should not wear deodorant, powder, or lotion because it may show up on the images and give a false reading. Also, you should come dressed in a two piece outfit (only the top is removed for the exam). If you have had prior mammograms at another facility, it is strongly recommended that you either bring the prior films to the appointment or have them mailed to McLeod Breast Imaging before the exam date for comparison purposes.

The Importance of Mammography

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in South Carolina regardless of race. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the state and the leading cancer site diagnosed at McLeod Health. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer deaths could be lowered if women ages 40 and older had an annual mammogram, an annual breast exam by a physician, and practiced monthly breast self-exams. A mammogram is valuable because it can identify breast abnormalities before they can be felt. In addition, it has been shown that early detection increases survival and treatment options. When cancers are detected early, survival rates are better than 95%.

Cheraw Family Medicine

Cheraw Family Medicine recently announced an affiliation with McLeod Physician Associates to further enhance patient care for area families. For more than 50 years, Cheraw Family Medicine has delivered the highest quality medical treatment to patients close to home.

"We are pleased to be affiliated with McLeod Physician Associates," said Dr. Alex Newsom. "With access to the McLeod team of physicians, we are able to expand our services to offer greater access to expert specialists and leading-edge technology."

Cheraw Family Medicine continues to provide patients with the excellent care and personal touch they deserve, just as they have done since opening their doors in 1962. Providers at Cheraw Family Medicine include Dr. Shaw Newsom, Family Medicine; Dr. Alex Newsom, Internal Medicine, and Nurse Practitioner Patricia Moore. Cheraw Family Medicine is accepting new patients, and has expanded their insurance network. Please call (843) 537-2171 for more information about Cheraw Family Medicine.