MARLBORO COUNTY — Wednesday evening, Councilwoman Pearly Lawson partnered with Scotland Health to bring awareness to breast cancer during the month of October. The healthcare system brought out its mammogram bus, performing roadside mammograms at the convenience of anyone who scheduled an appointment to receive the potentially lifesaving scan throughout the day. The event was held outside on the Marlboro County Courthouse square.
Susan Hohnerlein is a traveler with the healthcare system and says she performed upwards of 25 to 30 mammograms on Wednesday.
“I am really enjoying it. The dressing room is private and the whole experience is geared towards the comfortability of our patient,” said Hohnerlein. One of the main points Hohnerlein hopes sticks with attendees from her presentation is that patients receive the same mammogram, with the same skilled technicians and machines, as someone would receive in the building.
Deborah Gardner who is in RT Imaging, spearheaded the event, and is a driving force behind getting the mobile mammogram bus into Marlboro County.
“This is a really great opportunity for those who maybe don’t have transportation or who just aren’t able to come out to our building for whatever reason, a chance to get the same 3D mammogram imaging as someone who can make it in. The bus has the same board-certified radiologist and technicians, and results are usually available same day or next business day,” Gardner explained.
According to Gardner, the earlier the detection, the better the treatment outcome.
“Women should start getting breast exams at age 40, but if you carry any high-risk factors for breast cancer, you should talk with your doctor about earlier and more frequent examinations than is normally recommended,” says Gardner.
The main thing a mammogram machine does is act as an early warning system for the patient and their healthcare team.
“The earlier cancer cells are detected the more successful the outcome is forecasted to be for the patient. That is why it is so important, and we always tell people, don’t discourage, encourage the people in your life to get checked. Don’t be afraid of the compression,” adds Gardner.
Driver of the mammogram bus and technician, Erin Farr says she is glad to serve the residents of Marlboro County.
“Deborah [Gardner] worked very hard to get us into Marlboro County, getting all the needed licenses. I am really looking forward to being here and continuing to branch out into the Marlboro County community,” said Farr.
Councilwoman Lawson’s awareness event drew several big names, including Mayor Tyron Abraham, Administrator William Simon, Representative Jason Luck, Marian Wright Edelman Library Director Bobbie Grooms, and many others.
“I am so glad today was a success. A lot of people came today, and early detection makes such a difference. Getting early mammogram and breast examinations truly saves lives and I am committed to encouraging mammograms and annual screenings in our community. Marlboro County is higher than most counties in the state for different types of cancer,” said Councilwoman Lawson.
Assisting in that goal, Scotland Memorial Hospital’s Mammo on the Go bus rolls into the Marlboro Family Practice parking lot located at 957 Cheraw Street in Bennettsville on the second Wednesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments are needed and some general requirements are being age 40 and above, having no new breast problems, needing to have been at least one year since your last normal mammogram, and the patient must be able to safely ambulate up and down stairs without aid. For those requiring additional information, or wishing to schedule an appointment, reach out to (910) 291-7243 for assistance.