Hospital offers screenings, care you need for breast cancer
COMMENTARY
LEE HIGGINBOTHAM
As we usher in fall, we also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, but the good news is that advancements continue to be made with diagnostic tools and screenings, targeted treatments and more.
Mission Hospital McDowell is proud to offer state-of-the-art screening methods and surgical options for the women in our community. We are fortunate to have two talented, patient-focused and compassionate physicians here to care for patients. Dr. Bryon Dickerson is a diagnostic radiology expert who uses multiple imaging modalities to identify breast abnormalities and can needle biopsy concerning lesions, while our general surgeon, Dr. Robert Roddenberry, is highly experienced with diagnosing and treating breast cancer. In addition to excelling in their respective areas of expertise, our physicians believe that providing patient education and building relationships based on trust are critical so each patient can find the appropriate diagnostic or treatment path that aligns with their specific circumstances and comfort level.
When it comes to imaging for women at average risk for breast cancer, most organizations recommend that screening start at age 40. The 3D mammogram is standard now, includes both 2D and 3D images, and allows the radiologist to view cross-sectional slices of breast tissue. This helps overcome tissue overlap that can hide a cancer or make normal tissue appear suspicious, improving lesion detection.
An issue that affects over 40% of women is having dense breast tissue, when the breast contains more fibroglandular than fatty tissue. On mammograms, fatty tissue is transparent, while fibroglandular tissue appears white, which can be confusing since breast tumors also appear white. Current guidelines for those with dense breast tissue recommend supplementing the 3D mammogram with other screening tests, such as breast MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) or ultrasound, which can increase detection of early-stage breast cancer.
A woman's personal risk factors play an important role in helping her and her physician, often her primary care provider, decide when to begin screening and how often screenings should occur. Every woman should receive an individualized breast cancer risk assessment at age 25. This considers factors including reproductive history, breast density, prior breast biopsies and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. In addition to guiding screening recommendations and supplemental screening options, the assessment can help determine whether genetic counseling or testing is needed.
It's also important to remember that only about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, meaning they are caused by an inherited genetic change. Routine screening is important even for women without a family history of the disease. At the same time, women who do have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should make sure their healthcare providers are aware, as family history can significantly affect an individual's risk and may lead to recommendations for earlier or additional screening or genetic counseling.
The goal is for women to be well-informed and share decision-making around screening with their doctors. This makes it more likely that cancerous cells can be found as early as possible, which is associated with more favorable outcomes and less grueling types of treatment.
To make screening more convenient, Mission Hospital McDowell has Saturday screening mammogram appointments available from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 24. Patients coming for these Saturday exams should enter and register at Entrance 1. Patients can self-schedule their screening mammogram at missionhealth.org/specialties/imaging-services.
The surgical procedures women in our community have the opportunity to access are also vital parts of both diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Roddenberry performs minimally invasive breast lumpectomies, which require small incisions, and partial and whole mastectomies. He also emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between patient and physician, since every woman's situation and preferences are unique.
Though breast cancer is a frightening thought for any woman, it's important to remember that it's a treatable disease, that survivorship rates have climbed over the decades, and that the women in our community can get their screenings and, if diagnosed, care right here in their community.
Lee Higginbotham is chief executive officer of Mission Hospital Mcdowell in Marion.
