Contest at New London Clinic Encourages Procedure
October is not the only time women should get a mammogram. ThedaCare Physicians-New London ran a challenge in May, encouraging women to schedule a mammogram within the next six months.
Typically, there is a lot of interest in October, which honors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “There is such a big push in the media then and all the appointments are gone,” said Cheryl Seelig, practice manager.
The Mom-O-Gram contest led to 202 women pledging to schedule a mammogram. They each wrote their name, or that of a loved one who had breast cancer, on a paper cut-out flower, which was placed on a bulletin board display.
The colorful display caught the attention of those in the waiting room and even contributed to more mammogram appointments, said Seelig. “A lot of times someone knows somebody who had breast cancer,” she said.
Holly Johnson, medical assistant, won the contest by scheduling 66 mammograms and she received ThedaCare apparel as a prize.
May was convenient to hold the contest, with Mother’s Day to celebrate and a time to remind women about the importance of taking care of themselves. “Mammograms are important and we want to keep women healthy,” said Seelig.
Mammography is a screening test for breast cancer. It can find breast cancer early, before warning signs or symptoms. If found early, the chances of survival are highest.
Providers encourage regular mammograms, along with follow-up tests and treatment if diagnosed. “Talk to your provider about when to schedule a mammogram as well as talk about the benefits and risks involved,” said Seelig. “Age and family history often affect when a mammogram is done.”
Having a mammogram lowers the risk of dying from breast cancer, but it doesn’t completely remove the risk. A woman who gets them regularly could still be diagnosed with breast cancer and unfortunately may still die from the disease, said Seelig.
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 6,700 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 32 clinics in nine counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton opened in February 2016. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
