MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITY HERE RECEIVES ACR ACCREDITATION

The mammography facility at the office of Cape Radiology Group in Cape Girardeau has received accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR), making it the first accredited facility in this area.

The facility has met the necessary requirements, which include a peer review evaluation of the facility's staff qualifications, equipment, quality control and quality assurance programs, image quality and breast radiation dose. The accreditation must be renewed every three years.

The Cape Radiology Group office has been performing mammogrophy for over 20 years. Dr. Jack Johnson, president of the group of 10 physicians, credits the success of the mammography program to the dedication of the technologists who work there.

The team performing the mammograms here consists of Deanna Hobbs, AART, supervisor and chief radiologic technologist at the Doctors Park office, Ann Knaup, AART, chief mammography technologist, and Mary Ellen Cook, AART, staff technologist and mammography technologist.

Of these technologists, Dr. Johnson said, "They are well-trained, conscientious, and have a deep personal interest in performing an excellent examination. They keep up with the necessary and required continuing medical education programs, each having attended national seminars to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving technology.

"Their expertise and dedication makes for quality mammograms. And this is the key to the procedure. The radiologist must have a quality set of images for interpretation, and they provide us with these each day."

The accreditation program was started in response to two major concerns expressed by radiologists and the public: first, that qualified personnel perform and interpret mammograms; and second, that dedicated equipment be used to ensure that women receive optimum mammographic examinations at the lowest possible risk.

One in nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is the key to survival. Mammography done in conjunction with breast physical examinations provides the most accurate diagnosis of early breast cancer, Dr. Johnson said.

The American College of Radiology, the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association and nine other major medical organizations recommend the following guidelines for women without symptoms:

Between ages 40-49, a mammogram should be done every 1-2 years, a physical breast exam every year. After age 50, a mammogram and physical breast exam should be done every year.