It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s also a good time for women to think about mammograms and breast cancer screenings. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Women’s Imaging Center at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, 200 Groton Road in Ayer, Massachusetts, will host its annual Breast Health Day for women living in the Nashoba Valley region. Walk-in digital mammograms appointments are available throughout the day, along with giveaways, breast health information, refreshments and a free raffle drawing for a picnic basket filled with goodies.

The Women’s Imaging Center offers full-field digital mammography, which is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated. It also offers patients additional distinct advantages over traditional film-based exams, including enhanced image quality, shorter wait times for results, and reduced radiation exposure.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it’s estimated that a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in eight and mammography is the most effective method of screening for breast cancer.

“Early detection is the key to higher survival rates and better prognosis,” said Jennifer Stone, MD, Nashoba Valley Medical Center’s medical director of the Center for Cancer Care. “Women in their 20s and 30s should have a breast exam at their regular health checkups at least every three years. After age 40, women should have an annual mammogram as well as a clinical breast exam every year and perform monthly self-exams. Women at greater risk of breast cancer should have a breast care schedule designed by their physician.”

Nashoba’s Women's Imaging Center was recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. In order to achieve this recognition, the center was required to be fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound. The center can provide an appointment for a mammogram, in most cases, within 48 hours.

“An annual mammogram remains the best tool for breast cancer detection as a mammogram can detect abnormalities in a woman’s breasts well before they will ever feel it themselves,” said Nashoba Valley Medical Center Radiologist Matthew Foley, MD. “Yet, statistics still show that not enough women are getting screened. According to the ACS, only about half of all women ages 40 to 65 report having a mammogram within the past year. It’s very important to have an annual mammogram even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer as this does not decrease your chance of getting breast cancer.”

For more information about the Women’s Imaging Center Breast Health Day or to schedule a mammogram, 978-784-9272.

About Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) offers community-based primary care and specialty services. NVMC was awarded an A, the highest grade possible, in hospital safety by Leapfrog, and recipient of the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval. Areas of clinical strength include emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, physical therapy and general surgery. NVMC also offers a comprehensive Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Travel Clinic and Occupational Health Services. Nashoba Valley Medical Center is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.nashobamed.org.