Womancare at Saint Francis Medical Center addresses lifelong women's healthcare issues through a comprehensive program. Under the guidance of physicians, specially trained registered nurses and radiology technologists provide education, examinations, tests and treatments to meet the unique healthcare needs of females. Womancare offers access to the following:
New 3-D Screening for Breast Cancer
Womancare now offers advanced tomosynthesis mammography technology, a new type of mammogram that provides the earliest detection of breast cancer available in the region. Womancare is the first in Southeast Missouri to offer this state-of-the-art technology.
The revolutionary, FDA-approved Selenia® Dimensions® tomosynthesis mammography machine by Hologic® uses 3-D, X-ray equipment to provide a clearer view of the breast through overlapping tissue. Instead of viewing all tissue complexities superimposed on a traditional 2-D mammogram, radiologists can now scroll through the layers of the breast in 1-millimeter-thick slices. This viewing method allows for up to 15 percent better detection. Plus, because of the digital nature of tomosynthesis, images can be sent anywhere in the world.
Womancare’s physicians are trained and certified to use this technology. Some compression of the breast still may occur during the test, but physicians will try to keep patients as comfortable as possible.
In addition, this innovative machine:
• Reduces the number of callbacks for additional testing.
• Shows the inner structure of the breast without the traditional distortion and shadowing.
• Offers increased comfort, without increased exposure, because 2-D and 3-D images can be produced in a single compression with a combined X-ray dose below FDA guidelines.
• Provides improved imaging for dense breast tissue.
Breast Cancer Support Group - The Power of Pink
Saint Francis’s new Power of Pink Breast Cancer Support Group is a comprehensive group created for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer to help them answer questions and discuss the challenges of their journey. It is sponsored by the Cancer Care Fund at Saint Francis and led by nurse practitioner Pam Lewis, a nurse navigator at the Cancer Institute. The group’s mission is to empower a woman’s mind, body and spirit with education and support.
The six weekly sessions will take place Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. in the Health and Wellness building on the Saint Francis campus. The first 2012 session begins January 10; the second session of the year starts June 12. At its conclusion, participants who attend a minimum of five meetings will receive a free short-term membership to Fitness Plus, Saint Francis’ award-winning fitness facility.
To register for The Power of Pink Support Group call Womancare at 573-331-5209, ext. 2.
Birthing
Newborn delivery and care are accessible through Saint Francis' Family BirthPlace.
Educational resources
Saint Francis' Womancare has a comprehensive library of materials that includes books, videotapes and pamphlets to help women learn more about specific breast health issues. Internet access is also provided.
Health and fitness
Saint Francis' Womancare refers patients to the The Healthy Weigh program for weight loss, exercise and nutrition counseling.
Menopause
Saint Francis' Womancare provides counseling on hormone replacement therapy and estrogen therapy related to menopause, a transition that can start in your 30s or 40s and last into your 50s and even 60s.
Osteoporosis
Saint Francis' Womancare offers bone density testing with an on-site rheumatologist to determine risk for osteoporosis, a condition causing bones to become weak and brittle. The simple, painless test is useful in the prevention, detection and treatment of osteoporosis (a condition which can be treated with medication). Educational materials are also available.