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4- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, March 24, 1998 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" A fighting chance arly detection is crucial to improving chances of surviving breast cancer; a Port Perry clinic is in the business of helping women fight the disease By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Each year more than 15,000 Canadian women will develop breast cancer. The disease is the cause of more than 5,000 deaths annually. But those figures probably wouldn't be so high if the malignant lump or masses are detected earlier. When breast cancer is discov- ered early, the chances of a complete recovery are good. And breast cancer can be detected early through a good quality mammo- gram. A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast using very small amounts of radiation. What's wonderful about a mammogram is that the intense pictures can detect 90 per cent of tumors years before they are large enough to be pal- pated. At Port Perry Imaging, located on the lower level of the Medical Associates building, radiologist Al Ismail and his mammogram technicians, Kate Smith and Janet Smith, strive to provide the highest quality of mammography daily to their clients. "We endeavor to deliver the highest quality of imaging and ensure our patients are being cared for by well cer- tified staff," Dr. Ismail said. "Our vision is for patients to receive exceptional caring service, and be treat- ed with trust, compassion and confi- dence." Since Dr. Ismail bought Port Perry Imaging in December of 1995, it's been a dream to have his practice fully accred- ited. Accreditation is "the patients' assurance they are getting a quality mammogram that has met international standards," said Dr. Ismail. "It can mean the difference between an exceptional picture of the breast and a shoddy one." "We strive to provide good quality mammograms, which can mean the dif- ference between detecting a cancerous mass and not locating one," techrician Kate Smith said. Earning accreditation has been a lengthy, expensive process for the centre, but staff feel it's been worth the effort of adhering to a rigid set of guidelines set out by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. Besides having a new mammogram machine installed and adding a new dark room and processor, all staff have received extensive training, as well. "To become accredited is a meticulous procedure, yet it is well worth it," said Dr. Ismail. When the clinic was inspected by a physicist, the practice passed on all counts. "We passed first time around," said Dr. Ismail. "Usually when mammogram clinics apply to be accredited, only 50 per cent pass on the first inspection." Not all mammography clinics are accredited. There are many clinics that perform mammograms in Durham Region, but just two are accredited: Port Perry Imaging, and another clinic to the south. On Wednesday, April 8, Dr. Ismail and his staff will be presenting a Breast Health Education Night at the library in the Kent Farndale Gallery. Running from 7 to 9 p.m., it will be an education -- cre-- =e x E & Lo es NX Port Perry Imaging technologist Kate Smith takes careful x-rays of a client's breasts. These mammograms can detect a malignancy in the breast years before the mass is large enough to be palpated. When cancer is discovered early, chances of a complete recovery are improved. night for the general public. All age groups are invited to attend to ask questions pertaining to mam- mography and breast problems. Speakers from the Breast Health Coalition will also be on hand to speak on the advancements made 1n breast health. "We'll talk about the survival statis- tics," said Ms Smith. Cancer survivors will also be there to tell their stories. And for those who've never had a mammogram before, the technicians will be there to walk you through the procedure. The single, largest risk of breast cancer is being a woman, Dr. Ismail said. "Contrary to popular belief, only 10 per cent of breast cancer occurs in women with a positive family history." After the age of 40 women should have an annual mammogram. "Evidence 1s mounting; there is more breast cancer occurring in women, and it's not a disease of older women only." said Dr. Ismail. Women aren't the only people who get mammograms. Although cancer of the breast occurs almost exclusively in women -- 1t's 100 times more common in women than men -- that doesn't mean breast cancer is ruled out completely in men. Port Perry Imaging performs mammograms on at least half a dozen men annually. One lady who 1s extremely grateful her physician recommended she have a mammogram is Linda Bradimore, 51. Her mammogram detected a malignan- cy. Mrs. Bradimore found the staff at Port Perry Imaging to be very caring and helpful during this difficult time. "They were wonderful, yet very pro- fessional. I'll definitely be going back again for further check-ups." she said. Circle April 8 on your calendar now. You owe 1t to yourself and vour family by attending this educational night on breast disease. The staff at Port Perry Imaging will be on hand to answer questions as well as present a short shide show. "We want everyone to understand what mammography is all about and dispel any fears or myths they may have over this life-saving procedure," said Dr. Ismail. Clients can expect only the best at Port Perry Imaging. In December | 1997 the mammography clinic received a diploma, recognizing its effort to become fully accredited by | adhering to a rigid set of guidelines established by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. Holding the plaque are (front, L-R) | Nancy Hvidsten, manager and Janet | Smith, mammogram technician. In | back are radiologist Dr. Al Ismail | and Kate Smith mammogram tech- nician. The clinic is holding a Breast | | | Health Education Night at the Community Memorial Library from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8. All age groups are invited to attend.