News Release: April 15, 1999

TUCUMCARI, NM — Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that a state-of-the-art mammography unit has been installed at the facility and is available daily.

"Having a mammography unit on-site is part of our commitment to enhance the scope of medical services available in Tucumcari," says Dell Willis, administrator of Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital. "Residents from Tucumcari and the surrounding area who need a mammogram can have one performed locally rather than having to drive to another community."

The mammogram produces diagnostic images that enable physicians to view breast tissue, and enables them to detect tumors that are too small to be detected during a physical or through breast self-exam. Women should have a baseline mammogram by age 40. The American Cancer Society's booklet, Cancer: Facts and Figures 1998, recommends women ages 40-49 have a screening mammography every year, even if they are asymptomatic. In addition, it is recommended that women ages 20 – 39 perform monthly breast self-exams and have a clinical breast exam performed by a health care professional every three years. Women who want more information about preventing breast cancer should talk with their primary care physician.

Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital, located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is managed by Presbyterian Healthcare Services. Dan C. Trigg Hospital provides a wide range of physician services, and comprehensive emergency, diagnostic and surgical care. A local community Board of Trustees governs the facility.