Anna Jaques Hospital Brings Women’s Health to the Forefront
Invests $1.5 Million in Breast Health Technology and Earns Prestigious Certification from American College of Surgeons
When it comes down to it, women often let their health take a backseat. Routine health care needs, such as breast exams, often get lost in the crazy shuffle of caring for your families, working, managing the kids busy schedules and everything in between.
At Anna Jaques, the caregivers want to make it easy for you to stay on schedule with routine mammograms.
Early detection is critical to survival. To stay ahead of breast cancer, it is important to assess and manage your personal risk.
“A risk assessment will never prevent breast cancer. However, it is a powerful tool for estimating your risk. The information will help you and your physician develop a personal screening and prevention plan specific to your health history. Taking this critical step could ultimately help you detect this disease early when it is most treatable,” Peter Hartmann, MD, FACS – Medical Director of the Gerrish Breast Care Center. The Centers affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center expands the breadth of clinical expertise available to patients. BIDMC oncology specialists are part of patients’ multi-disciplinary care team, and participate in diagnostic and treatment planning for individual cases.
When you have a mammogram, make sure that you are accessing the most accurate technology. Several large studies have shown that 3D Mammogaphy* detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces the chance that a patient will need to be called back for additional views by up to 15%. This increased accuracy means detecting cancer earlier with fewer false alarms, and fewer biopsies.
“That’s why Anna Jaques Hospital invested $1.5 million to bring 3D mammography* to our Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill locations,” said Mark Goldstein, President and CEO at Anna Jaques Hospital. “We believe that women deserve the most accurate mammogram available in the country today.”
Through the generosity and commitment of The Institution for Savings, a $500,000 donation to Anna Jaques was applied toward the purchase of these three machines.
This same commitment to women’s health led The Gerrish Breast Care Center at Anna Jaques to achieve a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for voluntarily providing the highest level of quality breast care. The Center is one of only 19 in Massachusetts to be certified by the NAPBC, which is administered by the American College of Surgeons and only awarded after an extensive performance review and rigorous evaluation process.
The Power and Promise of 3D Mammography
When women come for a mammogram, the new technology will collect both 2D and 3D images in a single scan that gives patients a more accurate diagnosis and peace of mind without compromising exposure to radiation.
“Getting a mammogram is an emotional experience, especially in circumstances where more testing is required,” said Dr. Peter Hartmann, MD, FACS. “With the superior imagery produced by the 3D mammography, technicians can provide an even more thorough evaluation so that women can be spared the need to endure additional testing, including biopsies. For women with greater breast density, this technology creates the opportunity to provide a more detailed and accurate first screening that also can reduce the need for call-back testing.”
All patients will be offered 3D mammography for screening and diagnostic exams regardless of age or breast type. Initial screening results are provided within two business days.
Be sure to speak with your primary care physician about your risks. Together, you can implement a prevention plan and create opportunities for early detection so that instead of spending your days wondering about “what if’s” you can enjoy your days knowing that you have a plan.
Be Proactive with Your Breast Health, Schedule a 3D Mammogram
Now available in Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill
Call 978-834-8210 to schedule a mammogram or visit www.ajh.org/breastcare for more information and to take a risk assessment. And don’t forget, you may self-refer for a screening mammogram. Initial screening results are provided within two business day.
* Anna Jaques mammography possesses a valid license and certificate of inspection issued by MDPH.
Photo: Anna Jaques is providing women with access to the most accurate screening and diagnostic mammogram available in the country today. 3D mammography images provide technicians with a level of clarity proven to reduce call-backs and biopsies.