Advanced Surgical Technology

618-899-9200

1307 E. McCord Street

Vein Doctor Mt. Vernon, IL | Vascular Specialist Mt. Vernon (advancedsurgicaltechnology.com)

Advanced Surgical Technology presented on breast cancer awareness at the October luncheon of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, hosted by the Centralia Area Historical Museum.

AST breast surgeon, Dr. Merrilee Brandt, spoke on understanding one’s risk for breast cancer, different mutations of breast cancer, when to consult a professional for analysis, and the many resources AST has on-site to assist patients at its Centralia, Mt. Vernon and Herrin locations.

Dr. Brandt said the equipment housed at the three AST locations allows them to provide streamlined, state-of-the-art care for its patients.

“It’s an opportunity for us to provide the kind of one-on-one care that we want,” Dr. Brandt said. “It’s also integrated care. In other words, our radiologists read the imaging, I look at the images, I talk to the patient about getting a biopsy, then do the biopsy and follow up about what it is and [discuss] surgery.”

“That’s where, again, the expertise shines through,” Dr. Brandt continued. “We have the stability right there. There is no shuffling back and forth trying to find someone to send you to. We can take care of it all, and I think we do a phenomenal job.”

Dr. Brandt encouraged all women to get screened and have a mammogram conducted.

“There are so many women who don’t get screening mammograms,” Dr. Brandt advised. “You absolutely want to know what’s going on…our equipment is better all the time, and our radiologists are highly skilled. And not just ours, but radiologist who read mammograms only do it if they are trained in that modality.”

Dr. Brandt mentioned that one does not have to be an AST patient in order to be seen or screened.

The chamber would like to thank AST and Dr. Brandt for the important presentation and the Centralia Area Historical Museum for hosting this month’s luncheon.