Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Page 8 of 27Center and the remaining units at its hospitals in Howell and Saline and at three of its outpatient centers – thePlymouth Health Building; Canton Health Center and Woodland Health Center.The new digital system provides the benefits of increased accuracy, convenience and efficiency. It alsoincreases safety for patients and care providers by using 30%-50% less radiation than traditionalmammography. Above all, digital mammography helps St. Joe’s to identify breast cancers earlier in somecases, which improves the odds of successful treatment.Converting to an entirely digital format allows the Health System to continue providing technologicallyadvanced, compassionate, professional care to patients.In addition to superior diagnostic and support services, gifts for breast health have been designated for leadingedgeresearch and advanced treatment. The Women’s Health Center helps to connect women to breast cancerservices throughout the Health System, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and inpatient care.More information about Cancer Care Services – page 16da Vinci RobotIn FY08, St. Joe’s made a presentation to the community regarding the minimally invasive gynecologicprocedures and surgery options that the Hospital offers using state-of-the-art equipment such as the da Vincirobot. When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms or address disease,surgery remains the most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions including cervical anduterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometreosis, uterine prolapse and menorrhgia.The latest minimally invasive gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access target anatomy, which may notrequire an external incision. For complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assistedsurgeries using the da Vinci robot may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny oneto two centimeter incisions, surgeons using theda Vinci can operate with greater precision and control. The minimally invasive options help to minimize thepain and risk such as bleeding, damage to surrounding organs and nerves and extended recoveries that areassociated with traditional open gynecologic surgery. These advanced minimally invasive approaches haveproven excellent clinical outcomes.More information about the da Vinci Surgical System – pages 3 and 5Heart of a WomanHeart disease manifests itself in significantly different ways in women than it does in men. Most notably, thereis a wider variation in symptoms, which can result in a lack of attention to serious heart conditions or episodes.Coronary artery disease remains the number one cause of death for American women over the age of 40 andmore than 1,200 die from heart disease each day.The Women’s Health Center implemented the Heart of a Woman program to encourage women to becomeinformed and to seek diagnostic and treatment services. The program includes an exam, cholesterol profile andeducational materials. And, because heart disease and those at risk for heart disease often have compounding