Saving Lives One Screening at a Time
Veteran Radiology Technologist Sue Lee Creates Comfortable Experiences During Vulnerable Times
Registered Mammography Technologist Sue Lee, RT(R)(M) has been helping moms, daughters, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers fight breast cancer for decades. This spring will mark her 30th year with Munson’s Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Outpatient Services.
A recognizable face in the Frankfort community, Sue has dedicated her career to helping women feel as comfortable as possible during their annual breast cancer screenings.
“I see these ladies year after year, really getting to know them and their families. We feel comfortable sharing our lives with each other,” Sue says. “I love putting them at ease and helping guide them through their mammogram with a bit of banter and laughter.”
About 75 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease, which is why this annual screening is so critical for women ages 40 and older. Using advanced 3D mammography – the most advanced diagnostic screening tool available – Sue takes a series of digital X-ray images that help detect any abnormalities that could be cancerous.
“It’s important to schedule this screening every year so early cancers can be detected before they spread to surrounding tissue,” Sue says. “A 15-minute mammography screening just once a year is one of the simplest, but important acts of self-love a woman can give herself.”
Thankfully, Sue says she’s seen an increase in the number of mammography screenings performed each year – a trend she hopes to see continue.
“I can’t tell you how often first-time patients dread their screening and then tell me it was smoother than they thought it would be. Most women leave their mammography screening feeling reassured that whatever the outcome, they know their health status and feel empowered to take more steps toward improved health.”
Schedule Your Mammogram
An annual mammogram is recommended for women aged 40 and older unless your primary care provider recommends routine screening at an earlier age. Annual mammograms are typically covered by insurance, and no referral is needed at any of our Munson mammography screening locations throughout Northern Michigan. Schedule this important screening today.