By Ally Knudtson

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – Sometimes, we are our own barrier to care.

Since 2015, Central Valley Health and Jamestown Regional Medical Center have collaborated to reduce barriers for women’s health. In that time, more than 100 women have received 3D mammograms and preventative services they otherwise wouldn’t have due to time, finances, transportation or lack of insurance coverage. 

The program is called No Excuses and funding from R.M. Stoudt’s annual Running of the Pink event supports it. In the 13 years of ROP, R.M. Stoudt has raised more than $130,000 for women’s care in this community. 

JRMC and No Excuses offers 3D mammograms, which are unique in some communities. The 3D image gives a clearer and more accurate picture of the breast – meaning doctors can detect cancer faster. 

“By offering women the latest technology in mammography, JRMC hopes to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC Chief Nursing Officer.

At any given time, more than 1,300 Stutsman County women are not up to date on their screenings. 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98%.

One in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Catching it early can mean the difference between keeping the breast or needing surgery to remove it.

Knowing that support and encouragement is often a barrier to care, JRMC and Central Valley are offering No Excuses days to the general public.

No Excuses isn’t just for women who can’t afford it. Busy moms, grandmothers and professionals are also worthy candidates. 

“If you’ve never had a mammogram, or it’s been a long time, you are definitely the woman we are looking for,” said Robin Iszler, registered nurse and unit administrator at Central Valley Health.

This year, No Excuses is set for:

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon

For more information on No Excuses, visit https://jrmcnd.com/no-excuses/. Appointments can be made online or over the phone. To schedule a mammogram for any other day, call JRMC Mammography at (701) 952-4852.