JUNEAU – The SouthEast Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program (WISEWOMAN) is bringing state-of-the-art digital mammography technology to women in many Southeast Alaskan communities that would otherwise need to travel to have their mammogram performed. The WISEWOMAN program facilitates mobile mammography visits in the spring and fall each year to various communities in the region.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) among Alaskan women. Early detection through regular screening increases the chances of long-term survival. Mobile mammography allows greater accessibility for women in more remote locations to receive a breast cancer screening, increasing the likelihood of early intervention.
This spring, the mobile mammography van will visit the Jessie Norma Jim Health Center in Angoon, April 27-28; Gustavus Clinic, May 2; the Kake Health Center, May 4-5; the Haines Health Center May 9-12; and the Yakutat Community Health Center, May 24-25.
“We are delighted and proud to be able to offer our patients the latest digital technology available. Women are encouraged to take advantage of the convenience and cost savings that come with the elimination of travel for this important screening. We also strongly encourage women to contact their local clinic to schedule a women’s health exam with their provider at the same time,” said Pam Sloper, SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health RN. She added, “This is an excellent opportunity to address all of your health concerns and discuss what additional health screenings are right for you.”
The mobile mammography program is made possible through SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program’s partnership with the Breast Cancer Detection Center. The SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program provides free clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and cardiovascular screenings for women ages 30 to 64, and mammograms for women age 40-64 who meet specific income and insurance guidelines.
For more information or to make an appointment women can call 907.364.4450 (Angoon/Kake/Gustavus), 907.766.6366 (Haines), or 907.784.3260 (Yakutat). Women can also call the SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program toll-free at 1.888.388.8782 or email askwh@searhc.org.
More information about all of the services available through the SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program is available online at searhc.org/service/health-promotion.