Foundation Hospital updates radiology's mammography unit

Franklin Foundation Hospital Radiology Department has updated their mammography unit to a Hologic Digital 2D Mammography Unit, offering a new level of “advanced technology for breast cancer screenings,” according to Director of Radiology Matt Barrilleaux.
Statistics show that in the US, breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women in her lifetime, and is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in women, behind only lung cancer.
Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer, as they can detect changes in the breast that are too small or subtle to be felt by manual examination.
Mammography is proven to detect most cancers in women without symptoms. In light of this fact, women at and after the age of 40 are encouraged to get a mammogram annually, as it is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer. Eight out of nine diagnosed women have no family history of breast cancer, making early detection the single most important factor in surviving cancer.
Franklin Foundation Hospital Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Guidry cites a recently conducted community health needs assessment as pointing to cancer as a “top target” of import in St. Mary Parish, in terms of risk and prevention. “We strive to meet the needs of our community,” said Guidry, “and upgrading with new technology is a major factor.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and FFH will be offering education and information for local area residents. If you would like a FFH representative to speak about breast cancer education and prevention to a local organization, business, civic group or school, call 337-355-1373. FFH staff members are available to support programs, as well as honor local breast cancer survivors.
FFH will also be participating as a vendor of the Healthcare Walking Tour in “Fit, Fun and Fabulous, Serving St. Mary Parish,” Oct. 5, in downtown Franklin. Attendees are encouraged to please stop by the FFH booth to receive free breast cancer awareness materials.