"We had been interested in this type of partnership since Nordstorm opened a similar in-store mammography center several years ago," said Vera Garofalo, director of Mammography Services for JamesCare Hospital. The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute operates a center in the Columbus, Ohio, Lazarus store.

"We have had numerous calls telling us what a marvelous idea this was. The response has really been tremendous. By locating a mammography unit in the Lazarus store, a woman has convenient and easy access to a mammogram," Garofalo added.

Women waiting to be called for their mammograms are given a pager to carry while they shop. When the pager sounds, they are alerted to return for their screening which takes 15 to 20 minutes. The results are forwarded to each woman's personal physician. Appointments may be scheduled in advance, but walk-ins are accepted.

There are four stores in the Rich's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's group that operate in-store mammography units: Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Atlanta. The units are certified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and all mammography technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Nordstrom has two clinics, one in the Los Angeles area and one in Skokie, Ill.