Marla Newman, breast care coordinator Download a copy of our Mammography Suite Brochure (PDF)

Board-Certified Radiologists

All radiologists at OLBH are board certified. OLBH’s mammography program received excellent accreditation by the American College of Radiology.

What is Mammography?

Mammography is a type of breast imaging that uses a low-dose of x-rays to examine the breast for abnormalities. If breast abnormalities are located early, physicians have a better chance of successfully treating cancer. Therefore, mammography plays a vital role in the detection of breast cancer, sometimes showing changes in breasts up to two years before patients or physicians can detect them.

Importance of Breast Screenings

Women are encouraged to perform monthly, self- breast exams beginning at age 20. Clinical breast exams should be conducted by a health professional once every two to three years, beginning at age 20. At age 40, women should begin having annual mammograms. If an individual has a family history of breast cancer, and/or experiences a lump, pain or discharge in the breast area, mammograms should be performed earlier than age 40. Early detection of breast cancer can be treated successfully.

Preparing for a Mammogram

The American Cancer Society recommends the following tips for mammograms:

• Do not schedule a mammogram for the week before menstrual cycle begins because the breasts are usually tender during this time; the best time is a week after a period
• Physician should be notified if the patient thinks she could be pregnant
• Do not wear deodorant, powder or lotion before the procedure in order to prevent inaccurate readings of calcium spots
• Breast problems or symptoms should be explained to the mammogram technologist
• Ask when results will be available- do not presume not hearing from a physician means results are normal.

Convenient Registration

At OLBH, we put patients first. We care about your privacy and confidentiality. That is why we have private registration sections in our mammography suite. The facility also has an in-room clothing change area to ensure privacy. To pre-register or to schedule a mammogram at OLBH, please call (606) 833-3979.

Computer Aided Detection (CAD)

The new Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system at OLBH allows radiologists to localize small abnormalities in breast tissue. Second Look, from iCAD, Inc., is a sophisticated screening tool that assists radiologists by providing a computerized second review of mammograms, and is approved for both screening and diagnostic use. The review process draws attention to potential areas of concern that may indicate the presence of cancer. The Second Look system is in use in the hospital’s new Sister Eva Marie Testa Mammography Suite and aboard the OLBH Mobile Health Center.

Breast Cancer Coordinator Manages a Comprehensive
Breast Care Program

At OLBH, we specialize in top-notch medical care and treatments. Marla Newman, breast care coordinator, establishes and leads a comprehensive breast care program for OLBH, as well as provides educational seminars and screenings. The emphasis and coordination of women’s health services will allow OLBH to utilize a team approach to breast cancer and women’s health with components of imaging, surgery, oncology and community involvement/education. Newman is a graduate of Shawnee State University and a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists with special certification in mammography. For more information, Newman can be contacted at (606)-833-3928.

Sentinel Node Procedure Available at OLBH

OLBH offers one of the latest techniques for breast cancer. The sentinel node procedure is a new technique used by breast surgical specialists to locate breast cancer cells in the lymph nodes of the armpit. This procedure is performed during surgery once breast cancer has been diagnosed. The physician or breast cancer surgeon will inject a small amount of a radioactivity-labeled tracer substance around the tumor. After a predetermined amount of time, decided by the physician, the surgeon will inject a small amount of blue dye into the tumor. After approximately five minutes, a small incision is made in the armpit and nodes that are blue are identified and removed. The removed lymph nodes are carefully examined by a pathologist. If the lymph nodes are positive for cancer, other lymph nodes must be removed to determine whether they have also been infected. Before the sentinel node procedure was introduced, breast cancer patients were traditionally subject to a node dissection, in which several lymph nodes were removed from under the arm. The sentinel node procedure at OLBH offers a reasonable alternative to aggressive and unnecessary surgery.

For more information contact the OLBH CareLine at
(606) 833-CARE (2273).