Princeton Radiology Finds a Sweet Way to Help Area Women Step Up in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In October, we see and hear a lot of breast cancer messages. And that's a good thing, because with the help of breast cancer awareness initiatives, most women over 40 understand the importance of having an annual mammogram.

But here's something many people still may not know: for some women, an annual screening mammogram may not be enough.

The SmartMamm program launched recently by Princeton Radiology Associates (PRA), an accredited provider of women's imaging services, helps patients determine whether they are among this group. To introduce SmartMamm, raise funds for the Breast Cancer Resource Center and provide free mammograms for women in need, Princeton Radiology took the unusual approach of auctioning high-heeled chocolate shoes to attendees during In the Pink, a Breast Cancer Resource Center event at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village on October 12.

"The level of breast cancer risk varies significantly among women, based on a variety of factors in the personal and family medical history," said Christopher Ananian, M.D., a breast imaging specialist at PRA. "So the approach to breast cancer prevention can't be one size fits all. That's why we launched SmartMamm."

An enhanced clinical process, SmartMamm adds a risk assessment tool developed by the National Cancer Institute to the annual mammogram. Based on answers to a few short questions about the patient's personal and family medical history, PRA physicians calculate the patient's risk score, which can help to better manage her breast health through the development of a tailored monitoring plan.

Proactive monitoring for higher-risk patients may include imaging, such as breast MRI, in addition to the annual mammogram. The risk assessment is updated each year when the patient returns for her mammogram.

For every chocolate shoe purchased, Princeton Radiology is providing a free mammogram to a woman in need. Information about the free mammograms is being shared with local physician offices during visits from Princeton Radiology representatives. Women can also call the Breast Cancer Resource Center to obtain a certificate for a free mammogram, while they remain available.

"The number of free screenings we'll be able to provide is not unlimited, but there are other options available to help uninsured women get mammograms," Dr. Ananian said. "In addition to informing area women about SmartMamm, we're hoping our initiative will also broaden awareness of those options."

About Princeton Radiology Associates
For over 50 years, Princeton Radiology has been a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. With twenty-two board certified and sub-specialized radiologists and 13 board certified radiation oncologists, Princeton Radiology is committed to providing patients and referring physicians with expert consultations and the latest technology and treatments available—including PET/CT, Wide Bore 3T MRI, and Proton Therapy—all delivered by highly skilled, courteous staff in a comfortable setting. Princeton Radiology's facilities are FDA ambulatory care accredited, with modality specific accreditation by the American College of Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Through the attentive care Princeton Radiology provides before, during, and after every examination and through participation in educational and charitable events, Princeton Radiology has gained the respect of referring physicians, the trust of patients, and a prominent place in the community. For more information, please visit www.PrincetonRadiology.com.

Contact:
Princeton Radiology
Angela Vanzino, Marketing Coordinator
732-821-5563 x1233

SOURCE Princeton Radiology