GREENVILLE, Maine — A hospital in Greenville has launched a new mobile mammogram service for rural Mainers, and the results could be life-changing.
Northern Light CA Dean Hospital announced the new mammography service in a Thursday press release.
"Mobile mammography is an innovative way to make it easier for women in our rural region to receive their annual screenings. To our knowledge, this is the only service of its kind in the entire state of Maine," Marie Vienneau, president of Northern Light CA Dean Hospital, said.
The mobile unit is equipped with the same 3D technology used in hospitals, the release stated. Northern Light said it will ensure each patient's experience will mirror the same treatment they would receive in a hospital.
The first patient screened in the new unit, Lorna Young, said she enjoyed her experience.
"Mobile mammography was very easy and convenient. The staff was wonderful and caring. It was a very comfortable experience, and I highly recommend it," Young said.
The suggested age for women to start receiving mammograms is 40, Vienneau said.
“Only two-thirds of women in Piscataquis County over the age of 40 have had a mammogram in the past two years, and per capita breast cancer deaths in the region exceed the state and national averages. Given the rural nature of our communities, having a mobile unit is key—more women in more places will get screened,” Vienneau stated.
The mobile unit is based in Greenville at CA Dean Hospital, but Mayo Hospital staff handles the screening and scheduling, according to the release.
“Mobile mammography is truly a partnership between our Piscataquis County hospitals. Sharing staff resources and expertise across hospitals is one of the benefits of being part of a system. This service would not be possible without this level of collaboration,” Vienneau said.
"The mobile mammography unit was purchased with $1,002,014 in congressionally directed funds secured by Senator Susan Collins. Mammography services in the region are supported by a $160,000 Maine Cancer Foundation grant that funds a women’s health patient navigator who helps women overcome barriers to screening," the release stated.
This summer, CA Dean Hospital officials said they are planning to bring the mobile unit to other locations in Maine.
Mammograms are covered by most insurance companies for women over 40, but assistance will be available to patients "for whom cost is a barrier," according to the release.
To schedule an appointment, call 207-564-4353.