McLeod Health Clarendon earns a perfect score on mammography inspections

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MANNING - McLeod Health Clarendon's Radiology Department earned a perfect score on mammography inspections following an inspection by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"Receiving a score of 100 percent on our recent MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) inspection is an honor for McLeod Health Clarendon," said Rachel Gainey, MHC's administrator, in a news release. "This perfect score shows that we have an excellent staff that continuously pursues perfection in their provision of patient care and the delivery of the highest mammographic images possible. A major part of the survey is the review of the documentation for our mammography equipment, which is handled by Kristi McElveen, lead mammography technologist. Her diligence in maintaining this information is to be commended."

MHC's 3D mammography technicians include McElveen, Charlene Young-Singletary, Stacy Barwick and Janice McNair. Stephanie Endicott performs breast ultrasounds in MHC's Radiology Department.

MHC's technicians use the most accurate mammogram available, 3D Mammography, which is revolutionizing how breast cancer is detected. This new 3D technology provides women of all breast densities a better option to 2D technology alone.

"3D Mammography allows detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and is a highly effective tool in detecting breast cancer long before any physical symptoms develop," Gainey said. "Early detection is documented to be critical in reducing mortality rates. I am proud of our radiology staff demonstrating excellence in the quality of care they provide to our patients."

The revolutionary 3D Mammography is one of the most important techniques that doctors use in the detection of breast cancer. A large benefit of a mammogram is its ability to detect problem areas before they can be felt in a breast self-exam. Finding breast cancer earlier means much lower levels of lymph node involvement, which means that more women being treated for cancer are eligible for breast conservation.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in South Carolina, regardless of race and age. All women aged 40 and older are encouraged to schedule an annual mammogram.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is second to skin cancer as the most common case of cancer among women living in the United States. In 2020, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 31,000 new cases of breast cancer and an estimated 10,780 deaths from breast cancer nationwide. In South Carolina, the ACS estimates 4,790 new cases of breast cancer and 750 deaths.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (843) 777-2095.