Experience the "High-Tech, Soft-Touch" with Mammography at Riverside Community Hospital

Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. And yet, nearly 40 percent of women age 40 and older do not adhere to the recommended guidelines of a yearly mammogram.

Fortunately for women in the Inland Empire, the Breast Imaging Center at Riverside Community Hospital map is committed to making mammograms more accessible, and even more comfortable, in an effort to increase the number of women who receive this potentially life-saving exam.

A More Comfortable Mammogram
Studies have shown that pain, or the fear of pain, are major reasons some women do not return for annual mammograms. A San Diego State University study found that about 50 percent of women report moderate to extreme discomfort during mammograms.

The Breast Imaging Center at Riverside Community Hospital is among a group of centers across the country taking extra steps to address patient comfort to keep women returning each year for their mammograms. Since 2009, Riverside has offered the "softer mammogram” with MammoPad, a soft, foam cushion that is placed on the surface of the image detector to provide a warmer, more comfortable mammogram. Studies have shown that the technology reduces discomfort by 50 percent in 3 out of 4 women during their mammogram.

"The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that some don't get regular screenings, as the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography machine make the experience uncomfortable for some women. MammoPad helps us create a better, more comfortable experience for women. When a woman has a positive mammography experience, it’s more likely she will come back.""
~ Ayodale Odulate, M.D.
Radiologist at the Breast Imaging Center

MammoPad is a single-use cushion developed by breast surgeon Gail Lebovic, M.D. that attaches to the image receptor (table) of the mammography device. The radiolucent foam is "invisible" to x-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram. MammoPad is also recyclable – once used, the cushions are shipped back to the manufacturer, where they are turned into carpet padding.

Mammography technologists also report that MammoPad makes it easier to help patients relax and position the breast, allowing them to acquire more tissue and even compression for the image – key elements of a good mammogram. By combining the comfort of MammoPad with state-of-the-art digital mammography, which provides high quality breast images and special tools that allow the radiologist to see more detail than ever before, the Breast Imaging Center aims to help clinicians detect breast cancer at the earliest stage possible.

"MammoPad is incredible. As soon as they put my breast on the machine, I noticed the difference. It was warm, it was soft and the compression didn't bother me at all. I've been telling all my friends that they need to have a mammogram with MammoPad. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm not even dreading my next mammogram!"
~ Patient Penelope Stueve, who has gotten regular mammograms every year for more than a decade and had her first experience with MammoPad in March 2010.

Yet MammoPad isn’t the only way the Breast Imaging Center addresses patient comfort. The staff strives to create a warm, friendly environment where women feel welcome and supported. Fresh flowers are delivered to the center every Monday, and snacks are available in the waiting room. In addition, the center offers support programs for breast cancer survivors, including the Healing with Hope Breast Cancer Support Group and the Healthy Steps therapeutic exercise class for women dealing with lymphedema following breast surgery.

"The Breast Imaging Center is a wonderful facility. They play music and give you a snack, and the staff is so nice and helpful. They take care of you and make you feel special. Having a mammogram is so important, and it’s nice to have a place where you feel comfortable. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to come here."
~ Patient Lisa Diggs, who has been getting mammograms since the age of 40.

A More Affordable Mammogram
Other than discomfort, the cost of a mammogram prevents many women from returning every year. Particularly for women with little or no insurance, the out-of-pocket expense is often too much. So in celebration of Mother’s Day 2010, the Breast Imaging Center at Riverside Community Hospital offered $100 screening mammograms during the month of May.

"Women can greatly increase their chances of survival with the early detection of breast cancer, and the best chance for early detection is to have an annual mammogram. We feel very passionate about not letting anything – whether it’s financial difficulty or fear of pain – prevent us from catching cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage."
~ Dr. Odulate

Don’t wait! Schedule your annual mammogram today at the Riverside Community Hospital’s Breast Imaging Center. We are in this fight together. Call to schedule your mammogram at 951-276-7550.

Need to find a physician or get answers to your health questions? Call: 951-788-3463