Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
2007-08 Annual Fund
Case for Support

My mom never missed her annual mammogram. She was carefully monitored due to a family history of breast cancer; sister, mother, aunt, grandfather (yes, even he died of breast cancer). Two years ago, my mom felt a lump in her breast. When tested, it came back that she had Stage II post-menopausal breast cancer. Because of her dense breasts, standard film mammogram hadn’t picked up the growth.

Nancy Heydinger, Vernon, Vermont

Hope for Today: Living With a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

For women over 40, the mammogram is one of the most important wellness services which BMH provides. Last year, BMH performed 5000 mammograms.

For those women whose mammogram results come back abnormal, this experience turns from being just a routine part of their medical care into a life-impacting event. Last year, BMH performed 80 biopsies.

For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the routine and mundane quickly turns into the monumental and profound. Last year, 45 women were diagnosed with breast cancer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

Breast cancer is a serious and life-threatening illness which affects not only the patient, but children, partners, extended family, friends and communities. It is treatable, especially when detected early. That is why this year’s BMH Annual Fund goal is to raise $150,000 to support the continuum of breast care services at BMH and to purchase two digital mammography units.

STATISTICS FOR VERMONT

• In Vermont, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women.
• Each year, approximately 482 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in Vermont alone.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Vermont women.
• From 1999-2003, approximately 96 Vermont women died from breast cancer.
• Incidence of breast cancer increases with age. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in people over age 50.

  (Statistics taken from the Vermont Department of Health)

In spite of these statistics, the encouraging news is that “death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.” (American Cancer Society)

Digital Mammography, a diagnostic necessity for improved treatment

Since my mother’s diagnosis, both of our doctors have insisted on digital mammograms for the women in our family. I was thrilled to hear that BMH will be purchasing a digital machine. Not only will this save me an annual trip to Lebanon, NH, but I will be able to remain in my community with the caring BMH staff that I appreciate so much.

Nancy Heydinger

Digital mammography is a mammography system where x-ray film is replaced by detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals, similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special films to look like regular mammograms. Digital mammograms are taken the same way as film or analog mammograms. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Benefits of digital mammography include:

• Improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically, very useful in getting a second opinion from a radiologist far away.
• Lower recall rate for technical problems with the study, i.e., films over or underexposed.
• Shorter exam times due to no film processing, thus increasing the number of appointments each day.
• Less radiation than with film mammography
• 70% detection in symptomatic women, compared to 55% using film mammography in the following three categories:
  • anyone under age 50
  • of any age with very dense or extremely dense breasts
  • pre- or peri-menopausal women of any age

This year’s BMH Annual Fund goal is to raise $150,000 to support the continuum of breast care services and to purchase two digital mammography units. Contributions to the 2008 Annual Fund will help to bring technological advances to our breast care program. With the addition of digital mammography, BMH can expand our technological breast care services to members of the Brattleboro region. Early detection through mammogram saves lives of people with this disease.

For more information about the Annual Fund, CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT

Back to top