We need to have a talk, ladies.

If you are 40 years of age or older, you need to be getting an annual mammogram. Did you know that an estimated 5,000 women in the GRMC service area have not had a mammogram in the past two years? Are you one of them? Only 64 percent of eligible women in Poweshiek County alone have had an annual mammogram. That’s not only lower than the state average of 67 percent but well under the national average of 72 percent.

One in eight women will have breast cancer. Isn’t that enough incentive to get a mammogram?

GRMC offers the latest technology with 3D mammography. This equipment takes several digital x-rays and then puts them together to create a three-dimensional image for radiologists to assess. Like other digital images, these can be enlarged and manipulated by the radiologist and can detect much smaller abnormalities than traditional mammograms have been able to in the past. The reality is that the earlier cancer is identified, the better. Treatment can begin at an early stage, greatly increasing the chance of a full cure.

We have some terrific community business partners helping us in our efforts to raise awareness of the importance of mammography and breast cancer.

GRMC staff receiving donation from our friends at Monsanto

Our friends at Monsanto teamed up last October during harvest to show their support in the fight against breast cancer. They raised more than $3,400 through the sale of pink t-shirts that read: “Plant the Seed, Harvest the Cure.” The end goal was to promote breast cancer awareness. Monsanto in Grinnell employs more men than women and it was great to see all employees get behind the effort. They designed a t-shirt and sold them to employees, vendors, contracted harvest truckers, anyone who was willing to buy a shirt. 

Many shirts were bought in memory or in honor of a loved one who has or had breast cancer. After their campaign, they chose to donate their proceeds to Grinnell Regional Medical Center to help in our efforts to get more eligible women to have an annual mammogram. GRMC is grateful for this tremendous gift. Maybe you received a postcard in the mail. You have Monsanto employees to thank for that reminder.

Bill’s Jewelry in downtown Grinnell continues their wonderful incentive for women to get a mammogram at GRMC. Bill’s donates a Pandora starter bracelet to our radiology department each month. Every woman who has had a mammogram at GRMC during the month is eligible to win the bracelet. Not only is a mammogram a gift to you, but the bracelet is a lovely bonus.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a mammogram and then call our radiology department at 641-236-2355 to set up an appointment today. Do it for yourself. Do it for those you love.