October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Four key steps for early detection of breast cancer
3D digital mammography offered at VMH ... October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection can prove to be lifesaving when it comes to detecting and fighting breast cancer. There are four important ways to play a crucial part in finding breast cancer early on, which could significantly increase one’s chances of recovery: 1) perform a monthly breast self-exam (BSE), 2) have regular exams of the breast by a physician, 3) have a screening mammogram regularly and 4) be alert for possible symptoms. Pictured above are four of the mammographers at Veterans Memorial Hospital with the 3D mammography machine. From left to right are Kathy Hager, Amanda Leiran, Danielle Ferring and Keisha Coon. Submitted photo.
submitted by the American Institute of Cancer Research and Veterans Memorial Hospital
Early detection can prove to be lifesaving when it comes to detecting and fighting breast cancer. There are four important ways to play a crucial part in finding breast cancer early on, which could significantly increase one’s chances of recovery should one be diagnosed with the disease.
1. Perform a monthly breast self-exam (BSE.) Because 65 to 70 percent of all breast cancers are found by women themselves, there’s no substitute for a BSE. Examine the breasts the week following a menstrual period for anyone age 20 and over. For women who are no longer menstruating, they should perform a BSE the first day of every month.
2. Have regular exams of the breast by a physician. Doctors will usually examine the breasts as part of a routine check-up or when women have a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Women should have a physician exam at least once every three years between ages 20 and 40. After age 40, they need to have a physician exam every year. Depending on the woman’s medical history, her doctor may recommend more frequent exams.
3. Have a screening mammogram regularly. Mammograms are very important because they look for breast cancer in women who do not have symptoms. They can detect breast cancer long before it can be felt.
Veterans Memorial Hospital is in its fourth year of providing state-of the art 3D mammography and was the first in northeast Iowa to do so. The Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam machine is developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, Genius exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A Genius exam, like the one now offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital, includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.
Large clinical studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of a Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam. The findings include:
· A 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
· A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
· A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.
Women should have their first mammogram between the ages of 35 and 39. This is called a “baseline” mammogram, and will serve as a point of comparison for any changes in the breast. Have a mammogram every year after age 40. Depending on one’s medical history, the doctor may have different recommendations about when they should have their first mammogram and how often they should have additional ones. Mammograms, however, are not a substitute for BSEs and should still remain a very important part of every woman’s prevention plan.
4. Be alert to possible symptoms. If a woman experiences any changes in their breast that are unusual to them and are persistent, especially if they occur only in one breast, they need to consult their physician. Some possible symptoms to be aware of include the following: a lump or thickening of the breast; breast pain; dimpling or puckering under the skin; changes in skin color or texture; change in breast shape; swelling, redness or heat in the breast; retraction of the nipple; and scaly skin on or around the nipple.
Anyone finding an abnormal lump during a BSE or experiencing any of the possible symptoms of breast cancer needs to see their physician right away. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean breast cancer. Fortunately, most breast lumps are not cancerous, but only a doctor can be sure. If the diagnosis is cancer, the quicker one acts on it, the better their chances of successful treatment and recovery.
For more information, call the Radiology Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
