Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily treated. In fact, most breast cancer is detected either during a screening examination, before symptoms have developed or after a woman notices a lump.
“We are thrilled to team up with Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks to offer these free screening mammograms,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “Women often take care of so many others – we want to give them the opportunity to take care of themselves.”
For early diagnosis, annual clinical breast exams by a physician and regular mammograms, as recommended by a primary care provider, are essential steps in the fight against breast cancer.
Women should also know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a healthcare provider right away. Some women – because of family history, a genetic tendency or certain other factors – should be screened with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with mammograms. Individuals should talk to a healthcare provider about risk factors and develop a screening plan.
Call Wes & Jan Women’s Pavilion at 417.347.7777 to schedule a mammogram.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2018 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.