| In the recent winter 2020 edition of the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (WVBCCSP) newsletter, Minnie Hamilton Health System was recognized for improvements in increasing the breast and cervical cancer screening rates of its female patient population.
The staff at both the Calhoun and Gilmer county clinics saw the need to increase patient demand for cancer screenings, and pursued this through providing one-on-one education with all appropriate female patients during clinic visits. This was done in addition to mailed patient reminder letters encouraging completion of recommended breast and cervical cancer screenings.
The clinics developed a protocol for implementing and monitoring these aforementioned evidenced-based interventions using the clinics' current software, and the interventions proved to be successful. Combined, the clinics' cervical cancer screening rates increased an average of 17% from baseline, and breast cancer screening rates increased an average of 4% from baseline, both over a two- year period. Minnie Hamilton Health System, acknowledges its clinic staff who strive to make sure each patient is offered the appropriate health screenings and provided the recommended standards of care.
In addition to the Clinics' efforts, the Radiology Department also mails its mammography patients timely reminders to help keep patients on a routine mammography schedule. In 2020, the Radiology Department upgraded its equipment to digital mammography to stay current with industry standards of care. Minnie Hamilton also collaborates with the mobile Bonnie's Bus Mammography Unit on an annual basis to provide mammograms.
Currently, the U.S Preventative Services Task Force recommends average risk females (age 40 to 74 years) to have breast cancer screenings with a mammogram every 1-2 years. For full recommendation details see  breast cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening is recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force for females (age 21 to 65 years) with either a Pap test (recommended every 3 yrs, if normal); or a Pap test with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV), or just hrHPV testing alone (recommended every 5 years if normal). For full recommendation details see  cervical cancer screening
At Minnie Hamilton Health System, we are committed to our patients and their health needs. Our clinics proudly participate with the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (WVBCCSP), which helps female patients with financial barriers obtain needed breast and cervical cancer screening services. For more information please ask any of our clinical staff, or visit this site: Â West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Â
Our clinics also participate in the WV Family Planning Program, which can also assist with covering younger women's cancer screening needs; see informational link:Â Â Additionally, we have a range of clinic providers who are able to perform recommended cancer screening procedures. Furthermore, our clinics' can refer women to other facilities to complete recommended cancer screening procedures, if desired.
Unfortunately, cancer can strike anyone at any age, so routine screening is recommended. Cancer outcomes are best when diagnosis and treatment occurs in the earliest stages. To schedule your breast or cervical cancer screening, please call: (304)354-9244 for the Grantsville Clinic, or (304)462-7322 for the Glenville Clinic.
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