Breast Health: Early detection saves lives

The gold standard for breast health and breast cancer detection is mammography, which has been scientifically proven to save lives. That's why it’s so important for women to get annual mammograms.

3D mammography is recommended for women of all ages. It is most valuable to women between 40 and 50 years of age, those that have dense breast tissue and/or women with a family history of breast cancer. It provides a clearer, more accurate view of the breast and allows our radiologists to effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities. This can lead to better detection and greater peace of mind for our patients.

“Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer, and the dense breast tissue makes the detection of cancer harder,” says Stacy Krisher MD, FACS, ABIHM of Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons, a Holy Redeemer Physician’s practice. “3-D mammography has quickly become a valuable tool in improving detection rates for these women. In women with dense breast tissue, consideration can be given to adding automated whole breast ultrasound to screening mammography which can further improve early detection rates for breast cancer.”

3D mammography detects smaller breast cancers than traditional mammograms. It also reduces the amount of call backs, so fewer patients have to return for additional images after their screening mammogram. That helps reduce the stress and anxiety that can result from a call back.

Women should talk about potential risk factors with their doctors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms or how often they should get them. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the United States. A mammogram can find breast cancer before it can be felt.

Remind the women you know and love about the importance of regular mammograms—it just might save their life. Walk –ins are welcome at all of the Holy Redeemer sites and Mammograms can be scheduled in advance online at holyredeemer.com.