October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Troy Regional Medical Center is kicking off the month-long awareness campaign with a campaign of its own.

“Troy Regional Medical Center offers state-of-the-art digital mammography and we want to make sure that the women in our area are aware of what we have available to them,” said Michele Fannin, TRMC radiology director. “We want them to know that TRMC offers the same type digital mammography that is offered at UAB, in Montgomery and in Dothan.

Haley Grant, TRMC lead mammography technologist, said digital mammography provides clearer images and with much less wait time.

“Since TRMC began offering digital mammograms in July 2010, we have done thousands of mammograms and, from sign-in time until the mammogram is completed, usually takes about 30 minutes,” Grant said. “That means that a woman can come in on her lunch hour or after and be in and out in a short time.

There is also an economic advantage in that women don’t have to travel an hour north or south to get state-of-the-art digital mammography,

The mammograms must be order by a physician but, then, appointments may be scheduled by calling 670-5555.

Appointments are normally scheduled from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays but the TRMC radiology department is offering mammograms from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday Oct. 15 and 22.

“We are offering these scheduling opportunities for women who might have difficulty scheduling appointments during regular hours,” Fannin said.

As an extra encouragement for women to have mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, each patient that receives a mammogram from TRMC will be eligible to win prizes from the weekly drawings.

Also, each patient will receive a complimentary gift bag from TRMC’s mammography department.

“We have some great prizes donated by local merchants,” Fannin said.

Joining TRMC in the fight against breast cancer are Sister’s Restaurant, Home Gallery, C&K Nails, The Doghouse of Troy, The Pink Parlor, Douglas Bros. Jewelers, Mikata Japanese Steakhouse, Family Ties and Seraphim.

Grant said the prizes are great and hopefully will encourage more women to get a mammogram during October.

“But the most important reason to get a mammogram is that mammograms save lives,” she said. “Five minutes can save a life. Every day lives are saved because a woman took the time to have a mammogram.”