Other than certain types of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the U.S. Statistics tell us that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Of these, 8 out of 9 who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer.
Since breast cancer is so prevalent, yearly screening mammograms are vital to catching the disease as early as possible, even before symptoms appear. If youòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve been putting off your mammogram, now is the time to schedule.
òòò½ÊÓƵœBreast cancer screening is one of the most important things women can do for their health,òòò½ÊÓƵ said Doretha Pridemore, RN, clinical supervisor of the UK Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters Breast Care Center.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWe see many patients who have put off their screening. When it comes to saving lives, early detection plays a major factor. Do not wait.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Screening mammograms are recommended to start at age 40 for those at average risk, and continue yearly. Women should discuss their personal risk of developing breast cancer, as well as the benefits of screening mammography, with their primary care provider to make a decision regarding whatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s best for them personally.
3D mammography
Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters offers 3D technology, which has been clinically shown to find 20% to 65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammography alone.
òòò½ÊÓƵœDuring a 3D mammogram, the machine does a sweeping motion across the breast and takes 1mm image slices of the tissue,òòò½ÊÓƵ Pridemore said. These slices allow the radiologist to view each individual layer of breast, making it easier to detect abnormalities.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWith 3D mammography, youòòò½ÊÓƵ™re detecting things a whole lot earlier,òòò½ÊÓƵ Pridemore said. òòò½ÊÓƵœWe are able to detect something as small as 2mm, which virtually might have gone unnoticed before.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Genetic cancer risk assessment
Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters offers genetic cancer risk assessment to help patients evaluate their individual risk of developing breast cancer, in addition to colon, lung, ovarian, pancreas, prostate and thyroid cancers.
Genetic cancer risk assessment includes a thorough review of the individualòòò½ÊÓƵ™s family and personal history; DNA testing; and evaluation of DNA test results.
òòò½ÊÓƵœPatients with a family history of breast cancer, particularly those whose relatives were diagnosed before age 50 or who have multiple affected relatives on one side of the family, may benefit from genetic testing to assess their risk,òòò½ÊÓƵ nurse practitioner Eva Joseph, APRN, said.
Joseph guides patients through the genetic cancer risk assessment process. This includes advising patients on cancer screening and early detection options; cancer prevention and risk reduction; diagnostic and treatment options; and how to talk with family members about inherited cancer risk.
òòò½ÊÓƵœIdentifying your risk can be an important tool when it comes to prevention. If a genetic mutation is identified, patients will receive personalized recommendations for screening and medical management,òòò½ÊÓƵ said Joseph.
Most insurances cover genetic cancer risk assessment and testing with low or no out-of-pocket costs for those who meet certain personal or family cancer history criteria. Physician and self-referrals are accepted. For more information, call 606-325-2221.
Schedule your screening mammogram today
3D mammography is available at the Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters Breast Care Center in òòò½ÊÓƵhland, Ky., and at Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters Medical Center Ohio in Portsmouth. The Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters mobile mammography unit also travels throughout southeastern Ohio and eastern Kentucky, visiting schools, physician offices, workplaces, places of worship and more.
Nearly every insurance plan covers screening mammography at 100%. If you donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t have insurance, Kingòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Daughters has grants available to help pay for screening, as well as other services should they be needed.
A provider referral is not required for a screening mammogram. To schedule a mammogram, please call us at 606-408-1111.
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