For more than 75 years, Methodist Healthcare has been committed to women's health. Maternity services were one of the first services provided in the hospital on Union Avenue in Memphis. And from that proud beginning of one maternity center we have expanded the services. In Memphis, more than 7,000 babies are born every year in our maternity centers.

Methodist Healthcare knows women face many issues other than childbearing during their lifetimes, with breast cancer as a main concern for most women. The American Cancer Society and other experts recommend all women be screened after age 40. Breast diagnostic services at Methodist include state-of-the-art stereotactic breast biopsy equipment. Our nurses teach women about proper breast self-exam techniques and other breast health issues.

A variety of other women's health services, including gynecology and bone densitometry, are provided at facilities throughout the Methodist system. Osteoporosis is a crippling and life-shortening condition that affects millions of women. However, it is often not diagnosed until a fracture occurs. It is possible to diagnose this condition beforehand with a sensitive screening device called a DEXA, which measures bone density in the hip and spine. It is painless and only takes a few minutes. Many doctors recommend that women have a bone density evaluation after age 50 so that preventive treatment can take place if needed.

At Methodist Healthcare, educating women about health issues is one of our goals. The Methodist Cancer Center, in conjunction with the Methodist Foundation, sponsors an annual luncheon with a nationally renowned speaker open to the public. This luncheon is held not only to educate the women and men that attend, but it is also held to raise money so we can continue to bring women's health education to the residents of the Mid-South.