October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to bring attention to the risk factors of breast cancer and how routine mammograms can save thousands of lives.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about one in every eight women will develop it at some point in their lives. CDC statistics from 2018 show breast cancer was the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Colorado women.

Recommendations from the American Society of Breast Surgeons suggest women over 25 undergo formal risk assessment for breast cancer, including genetic testing and evaluation of radiation personal history. The American Cancer Society recommends women with average risk begin annual screenings between 40 and 44 years old.

Annual mammograms and routine self-examinations can help women find and treat breast cancer in its early stages, increasing their chances of survival.

About 3D Mammography

Prowers Medical Center offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, including 3D mammography — the preferred exam by the American Society of Breast Surgeons over traditional mammograms.

3D mammography takes multiple images, or X-rays, of a patient’s breast tissue to recreate a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Traditional mammography obtains a single, two-dimensional image of the breast. Many healthcare experts agree that images obtained through 3D mammography provide radiologists with a clearer image of a patient’s breast mass, making it easier to detect breast cancer.

3D mammography is FDA-approved and does not create any greater risk to the patient than a traditional mammogram. Because 3D mammograms may not be covered by all insurance plans, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment for this exam.

If a patient’s diagnostic mammogram is abnormal, their radiologist will perform an ultrasound or a breast biopsy. This is typically done the same day to identify if the abnormality is indeed cancer, rather than a cyst or other health condition.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast — usually painless and hard in mass with irregular edges.

Other symptoms include:

  • Swelling in part or all of the breast, even with no lumps present
  • Skin dimpling
  • Breast or nipple pain
  • Nipple retraction
  • Skin on the breast that is red, dry, flaking or thickened
  • Nipple discharge
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Women get breast cancer more often than men, and most breast cancers are found in women older than 55. Although some women can get breast cancer without having risk factors, common risk factors for breast cancer include:

  • Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
  • Reproductive history
  • Family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancers
  • Having dense breasts
  • Taking hormones
  • Lack of physical activity or being overweight/obese after menopause

If you have any risk factors, speak to your provider about how early you should begin screenings and how often they should continue for.

High-Quality Imaging Services Close to Home

In early September, the Prowers Medical Center Imaging Department passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspection conducted by the FDA. The inspection is required to ensure the safety and reliability of mammography exams in radiology departments across the nation.

FDA auditors concluded no findings or violations were present within Prowers Medical Center’s mammography procedures — a major accomplishment in meeting federal compliance.

In addition to 3D mammography, the department offers several other imaging services, including X-rays, MRIs, 64-slice CT scans, PET scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine, DEXA scans, echocardiograms and more.

For more information about imaging services or to schedule an appointment at Prowers Medical Center, call 719-336-6762 or visit prowersmedical.com/services/imaging-services.