By Tammy Rabe
Breast cancer is still a leading cause of death in women, but thanks to today’s advanced screening and early detection methods, breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically.
Beginning in their 20s, women are encouraged to perform breast self-exams monthly to check for lumps or changes in shape, size or other alteration. Around the same age, women should also start having clinical breast exams. These should be performed at least every three years throughout a woman’s 20s and 30s and then yearly after age 40.
Additionally, mammography—still considered the gold standard for breast cancer detection—is recommended annually beginning at age 40 by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
A Clearer Picture
A mammogram, which takes an x-ray picture of the inside of the breast, allows a physician to visually check for any signs of breast cancer that cannot be felt by physical exams.
Witham Health Services is proud to offer digital mammography, which provides higher resolution images for clearer details of the breast, as well as less radiation exposure and fewer diagnostic follow-ups.
Stamp of Excellence
The Women’s Center at Witham has been recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the ACR.
“This designation affirms that Witham has earned accreditation in not only mammography, but also stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy,” says Jason Scott, MBA, CRA, RT(R)(MA), Director of Imaging/Cardiac Diagnostics/Pulmonary/Neurodiagnostics. “All of our equipment and practices meet or exceed the quality assurance and safety guidelines set forth by the ACR.
In addition to the high-quality care, Witham makes breast imaging convenient for our patients. Our Anson location offers same-day mammography scheduling, late afternoon appointments and Saturday hours. Genetic testing for patients with strong family history of breast cancer is also available.
For more information: www.witham.org.