Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early detection is important

HARLAN — Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for women to prioritize their breast health, stay current on recommended screenings and recognize the importance of early detection.
Keri Sonderman, R.T. (R)(M)(CT), director of Diagnostic Imaging at Myrtue Medical Center, said the annual observance also provides an opportunity to honor those affected by breast cancer.
“This month reminds women of the importance of screening mammograms. It also is a time for us to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer — the fighters, survivors and those that have been taken because of it,” Sonderman said.
Myrtue Medical Center recommends women begin routine mammograms at age 40. Women may also have a mammogram between ages 36 and 39 to establish a baseline for future comparisons.
For women with a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has had breast cancer, Sonderman recommends discussing earlier screening. She said routine mammograms may be recommended beginning 10 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed.
Early detection is one of the most important factors in improving breast cancer outcomes, Sonderman said. Finding cancer before it spreads or causes symptoms can make it easier to treat.
“Early detection is extremely important!” she said. “Finding a breast cancer before it has spread or caused symptoms is one of the most important ways to improve breast cancer outcomes. It is easier to treat at an early stage.”
Several factors can influence a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Some cannot be changed, including age, personal or family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, beginning menstruation before age 12, menopause after age 55 and radiation treatment to the chest before age 30.
Other factors may be influenced by lifestyle and personal circumstances. These include physical inactivity, poor diet, being overweight, alcohol consumption, hormone therapy, having a first pregnancy after age 30 and never having been pregnant.
Sonderman encourages women to stay current on recommended health screenings, maintain a healthy lifestyle and promptly report changes in their health to a medical provider.
In addition to routine mammograms, women should be aware of changes in their breasts and contact their health care provider if they notice something unusual. Warning signs may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, unexplained changes in breast size or shape, swelling, dimpling or puckering of the skin, a newly inverted nipple, breast or nipple pain, or unusual nipple discharge, particularly if it is clear or bloody.
Other changes that warrant medical attention include redness, scaling, swelling, changes in skin texture or color, recent breast asymmetry and swollen lymph nodes near the armpit or collarbone.
Although regular self-examinations can help women become familiar with their breasts, they do not replace recommended screening mammograms or evaluation by a health care provider.
Technology has helped improve the ability of medical professionals to identify potential signs of breast cancer. One significant advancement is three-dimensional (3D) mammography, which allows radiologists to examine images of individual layers of breast tissue rather than relying on the single image provided by traditional two-dimensional (2D) mammography.
Sonderman compares the difference to reading a book. “The cover is the 2D image, flipping through each page of the book is comparable to looking through a 3D mammogram image by image.”
Computer-aided detection (CAD) also helps radiologists review breast images. After the radiologist examines the images, the computer system independently analyzes them and highlights areas that may require closer attention.
These highlighted areas prompt the radiologist to take a second look at potential findings.
Sonderman understands that some women delay mammograms because of fear, concerns about discomfort or anxiety about the results. However, she encourages women not to let those concerns prevent them from scheduling an appointment.
Myrtue’s mammography technologists explain the procedure before beginning the exam so patients know what to expect. Although compression is necessary to obtain the images, it lasts only a few seconds, and the examination itself is relatively quick.
Concerns about the results are understandable, Sonderman said, because patients cannot control the outcome. Still, finding breast cancer in its earliest stages can make treatment easier.
Some women make the experience more comfortable by scheduling appointments with friends or family members and planning lunch or another activity afterward.
Women who have not had a mammogram in several years are encouraged to schedule one. According to Sonderman, a provider’s order is not required to schedule a screening mammogram at Myrtue Medical Center.
Appointments can be made by contacting the medical center’s scheduling team or through MyChart, the patient portal. Women who are unsure when they last had a mammogram can contact the Diagnostic Imaging department or their provider’s office to check their screening history.
Myrtue also uses its electronic medical records system to track mammogram findings and recommendations. Patients receive mailed reminders when they are due for screening mammograms, and reminders are also sent through MyChart.
When a mammogram identifies an area of concern, Myrtue’s Diagnostic Imaging team works to ensure patients receive timely follow-up care.
Staff members contact patients directly by phone to discuss the results and arrange any recommended follow-up imaging. Results and recommendations are also sent to the ordering provider so the provider is informed of the findings.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled on days when radiologists are on-site, allowing patients to receive their results promptly.
Sonderman said women also can turn to mammography technologists and other health care providers for answers to questions about breast health, screening recommendations and available services.
Her message to women is straightforward. Do not put off a screening simply because it has been years since the last appointment or because you are unsure whether you are due.
Taking the time to schedule a mammogram, staying informed about personal risk factors and reporting unusual changes can help women take an active role in protecting their breast health.