Letter: Mobile Mammogram on Sept. 6 Lets Women Take Charge of Our Health

Julie Burrell

 
As a resident who is deeply engaged with our community here in Newaygo County, I wanted to raise awareness about an opportunity for women to take charge of our health.
​
On Friday, Sept. 6, Spectrum Health will be bringing one of its mobile mammography vehicles to Hesperia. This service on wheels will offer 3-D mammograms, capable of taking detailed, precise images that can more accurately identify abnormalities. A 3-D mammogram is quick, minimizes discomfort and pain during screening, and provides accurate, timely results, all done in privacy and comfort.

I’m pleased that Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is helping bring quality healthcare to our community. As a school board member and an advocate for economic opportunity in our community, I view events like this as one way we can access healthcare. Spectrum Health is helping make it easier for women to get screened. I join countless people around the nation in reminding women that early screening can save lives.
Cancer in all its forms touches so many lives. It affects the individual, their families and often times entire communities. Hesperia and Newaygo County are no different. We know so many people who have faced this disease with courage. We know those who took proactive steps to address cancer early.

Unfortunately, we also know those who caught the disease too late.

Breast cancer is curable. When found early, breast cancer can be treated and managed. The challenge is detecting it early, and that’s where 3-D mammograms can help.

By taking 1-millimeter-thin images at a time, 3-D mammograms can look through dense breast tissue. The result is a three-dimensional image that a tech or doctor can look at from all angles, as opposed to two-dimensional images like a simple photograph.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer will affect one in eight women during their lifetimes. The ACS recommends that every woman 40 years or older get a mammogram once a year. 

On Friday, we can take that opportunity by getting screened when the mobile mammogram comes to Hesperia. It’s also free to those who qualify.

The mobile mammogram will be at the Family Dollar, 9585 E Sunset Blvd, Hesperia, MI 49421.
Hope to see you women on Friday!
Thank You,
Julie Burrell
 
BEFORE YOU GO:
Because the mobile unit can take a limited number of patients, women are asked to make an appointment to reserve a spot.

• Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Call 877.495.2626 to schedule an appointment.
• Walk-ins will be provided as scheduling allows.
• Please bring insurance information.
• Free mammograms will be available for uninsured or under-insured women. For women who want to find out if they qualify, call 616.486.6022.​

---