News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Fentress County teaming up with the UT Medical Center to offer 3D Mammograms next Monday in Jamestown.
The process is done by computer software that takes 2D images and converts them into a 3D image to help diagnose early signs of breast cancer. UT Medical Center Breast Outreach Assistant Coordinator Michelle Matzek said this brings advanced technology to work for local residents.
“I believe the closest imaging center is over an hour away,” Matzek said. “So coming with the mobile unit into Fentress County it allows ladies that live there right in the community to have access.”
3D Mammography was approved by the FDA in 2011 but was not widely available till last year. Matzek said there are opportunities for those who do not have health insurance to get a screening.
“We do file insurance,” Matzek said. “And we also have, if there is ladies that are uninsured we do have funding that we can see if they can qualify for to cover the cost of the screening.”
Matzek said the screening is not a very long process and encourages woemn to come even if they are short on time.
“It takes about 20-25 minutes,” Matzek said. “From the time they get on board, they check in and then they have a private dressing room that they change in, and it’s an all-female staff that does their imaging and they are on and off in about 20-25 minutes.”
Women must be 40 or older, have no current breast problems or personal history with breast cancer, must be not pregnant, and must be able to walk up and down steps.
This is the first time the mammogram mobile bus is visiting Jamestown. Matzek said the event is going to provide the service Fentress County needed.
“It’s a great service for the community to be able to help them get the screenings that they will need,” Matzek said.
The event is by appointment only so if interested please call Michelle Matzek at (865)-839-7426. The screenings will be Monday, July 1st from 8:30am-1:30pm at the Fentress County Justice Center.
