Thu. Mar 28th, 2024
“If Tyrone Hospital is listed as a participating provider with a person’s insurance, they can use us for mammography as well as other services. Results of mammograms and sonograms can be sent to doctors throughout the area.”
Vicki Bosak,
Tyrone Hospital Radiology

The healthcare professionals at Tyrone Hospital wish to remind the public that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection of the disease.
Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2007 an estimated 178,480 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,460 will die from this disease. It’s still the second leading cause of cancer death for females, after lung cancer. However, a great deal of progress has been made over the last 50 years in diagnosing and treating breast cancer as a result of advancements in research and the treatment options that are now available.
Roy Pazmino, M.D., a gynecologist on the medical staff at Tyrone Hospital said all women are at risk for breast cancer. As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases.
“It is very important to find breast cancer at an early treatable stage,” said Dr. Pazmino.
Unfortunately, some women ignore getting a mammogram.
“A late stage breast cancer diagnosis is much harder to treat than an early stage diagnosis,” added Dr. Pazmino.
The key to treatment for breast cancer and other cancers is to detect it as early as possible.
Although some of the risk factors linked to breast cancer are known, it’s not yet known what all of the causes are. It could be that a woman of average risk for breast cancer may lower her risk somewhat by making healthy lifestyle choices. These should include not smoking, not drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and maintaining the proper body weight.
It is also important for women to practice the elements of good breast health as recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS) which includes regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40, annual clinical breast exams, and performing monthly breast-self exams.
Mammography (an x-ray picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer. Mammography allows physicians to see changes in the breast long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. That is why it is so important for women to have regular mammograms.
Tyrone Hospital uses the iCADs Second Look 300 technology in conjunction with the standard reading of mammography images. The Second Look 300 is an advanced computer aided detection system (CAD) used for mammogram films to help with the early detection of breast cancer.
Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when they are younger, having extra tests such as an MRI, or having more frequent exams.
It is also important to see your doctor right away if you notice any of these breast changes: a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk.
Women can access physician care as well as screening and diagnostic mammography and breast sonograms at Tyrone Hospital. Evening appointments are available to accommodate work and school schedules.
Vicki Bosak, a member of Tyrone Hospital’s radiology management team, said women can use the services at Tyrone Hospital regardless of where their doctor is located.
“If Tyrone Hospital is listed as a participating provider with a person’s insurance, they can use us for mammography as well as other services,” said Bosak. “Results of mammograms and sonograms can be sent to doctors throughout the area.”
Bosak said women do not have a long wait to get an appointment at Tyrone Hospital.
“When they come for their appointment, we are able to get them in and out with minimal waiting time,” added Bosak. “We also have free parking near the hospital. That’s a few of the advantages of using the outpatient services here at Tyrone.”
Tyrone Hospital is a participating provider in most major insurances including Aetna, Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare, Unison, Geisinger, UPMC, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Health America/Health Assurance.
To schedule a mammogram at Tyrone Hospital or for more information call the hospital’s radiology department at 684-6385.

By Rick