February 14, 2006
Valentine's Day, in many people's minds, is a day for women. Women receive flowers, special chocolates, mushy cards, love poems, jewelry, a night out on the town…you name it.
The History Channel website indicates that according to Hallmark research 192 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) And what do the cards say? They say “I love you.” In Italian it's ”Ti amo,” in Russian “Ya tebya liubliu,” and in French “Je t'aime, Je t'adore.” In health care language, it's making sure the woman in your life has a mammogram, according to American Cancer Society guidelines.
Central Vermont Medical Center provides a new product that eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram. The FDA-cleared latex-free foam cushion, called MammoPad, creates a softer, warmer mammogram. CVMC hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.
“Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death,” said Harriet Buchicchio,LCSW, Breast Care Coordinator “Mammograms identify lumps that a woman's self-exam wouldn't find until an average of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality. This breast cushion removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure.”
Harriet notes that CVMC's comprehensive Breast Care Program is designed to support women in all aspects of breast care. “We understand that for some women even routine mammograms can be anxiety producing,” she said. If you have questions or want to make an appointment to see CVMC's breast care coordinator call the CVMC Breast Care Line 371-4377 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Free mammograms are available at CVMC for women of any age who do not have medical insurance or who have high deductibles. Call 371-4377.
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