To increase the accuracy in the diagnosis of breast health, Humboldt Park Health, 1044 N. Francisco Ave., acquired a new state-of-the-art mammogram machine, the hospital announced earlier this month.
The new mammogram machine brings the latest advancements in breast imaging technology, offering enhanced precision, accuracy, and patient comfort. Using this mammogram machine, the hospital’s healthcare professionals can provide more accurate and timely diagnoses for patients.
“We are thrilled to introduce this advanced mammogram machine to our breast care services,” said Dr. Ashley Caleel, diagnosis specialist. “Breast health is of utmost importance to us, and this new machine will significantly enhance our ability to detect and diagnose breast cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.”
In 2020, female breast cancer was the second deadliest cancer for females in the United States, with a rate of 19.1 deaths per 100,000 women, data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows.
Breast cancer screening can help detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. Disease experts from the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend that women ages 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years. Women ages 40 and under should talk to their care healthcare provider about how often to get a mammogram.
Humboldt Park Health’s new mammogram machine has innovative features to optimize patients’ experience, including high-resolution imaging and ergonomic design to improve patient comfort and reduce examination time. This investment aims to make breast cancer screening more accessible, accurate and comfortable for female patients, who so far in 2023 constituted 58% of the patients the Humboldt Park-based hospital served.
The hospital has long served Humboldt Park and other West Side residents since opening in 1894. According to the hospital’s data, 14.8% of its patients are residents of Humboldt Park and a portion of Austin and 6.6% came from West Garfield Park. The hospital also heavily served residents of the nearby neighborhoods of Belmont Cragin, Ukrainian Village and Palmer Square.
The 200-bed, acute care facility provides health care services including behavioral health, diabetes care, specialized wound care and women’s health. There are specialists in family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics, general surgery, neurology, emergency medicine, podiatry, gastroenterology, internal medicine and ophthalmology.
