October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and UHS medical providers want to remind women of the importance - and the wisdom - of an annual mammogram as it continues its Pearls of Wisdom program.

The song says, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but a pearl can save your life.  Pearls are a symbol of wisdom, and nothing is smarter than having a yearly mammogram.  Early detection is key to reducing the risk of breast cancer, and mammography is an important tool in early detection. UHS is now using digital mammography to detect breast cancer.  To inspire regular use of this life-saving technology, UHS’ Pearls of Wisdom program is presenting pearls to women who have their yearly screening mammogram at one of its five mammography locations.

Every woman who comes to the UHS Breast Center at Binghamton General Hospital or Wilson Medical Center, UHS Imaging - Norwich, UHS Primary Care - Sidney or UHS Delaware Valley Hospital will receive a complimentary silver chain and a single freshwater pearl on her first mammography visit.  Each year when she returns for her screening mammogram, she will receive an additional pearl to add to the chain.  The UHS Pearls of Wisdom necklace: Think of it as your lifeline.

For more information about mammography, visit uhs.net, or to schedule an appointment for a mammogram, call the site closest to you: UHS Breast Center Vestal (607)762-2404; UHS Imaging Norwich (607) 337-4999; UHS Imaging Sidney (607)561-2212; or UHS Delaware Valley Hospital (607) 865-2126.

UHS is a locally owned, not-for-profit, 916-bed hospital and healthcare system serving Greater Binghamton and surrounding counties. Founded in 1981, UHS provides a full range of medical, surgical, rehabilitative and long-term care services from more than 60 locations around New York’s Southern Tier.