TULSA, Okla. — The Okemah Creek Nation community is now closer than ever before to life-saving screenings. The Creek Nation Community Hospital has 3D mammography services. The new technology will be available to both tribal and non-tribal citizens in October.
A mammography is a health screening that detects abnormalities in breast tissue. This screening helps physicians diagnose, find, and ultimately determine the best way to treat breast cancer in women and men.
“Early detection drastically improves breast cancer survival rates and we are proud to bring these critical mammography services to residents in Okemah and surrounding areas,” said Secretary of Health Shawn Terry with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
To celebrate the new technological milestone, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill, Muscogee (Creek) National Council Speaker Randall Hicks, Abbi Lee, CEO Susan G. Komen Oklahoma and Terry participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Prior to the new 3D mammography technology launched today, patients had only a 2D mammography option. The 2D tests require more time for physicians to analyze because they do not produce as clear of a picture of the breast tissue as the 3D mammography. For a 3D mammography, community members had to drive the hour to Tulsa or longer to Oklahoma City.
“We fully believe that where you live shouldn’t determine if you live," Lee said. "Geography alone cannot predict if a person is at risk for breast cancer, however, it does impact access to quality care within things like prevention, screening and treatment options."
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