Photo courtesy of Missouri Baptist Medical Center
While one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer ever day in the United States, one in seven women are diagnosed each day in Missouri.
When mammography screening began back in the 1980s, researchers saw a vast decrease in mortality. Early detection—leading to less invasive surgeries and better outcomes—is the key to this decline.
For every woman, screening should be part of their healthcare. “Even if you think that you are in the best of health, plan on yearly screening mammography," says Dr. Sadaf Summer Chaudhry, medical director of the Breast Health Care Center at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. "Beginning at age 40, women of average risk, meaning no significant family history or other risk factors for breast cancer, should obtain annual screening mammography. And of course if you have a specific breast complaint, for example if you are feeling a lump or have nipple discharge, you need to let your doctor know and schedule a special diagnostic mammogram with possible ultrasound for a more thorough evaluation."
A woman at average risk should begin receiving breast exams at age 40. The mammography screening can help detect cancers that are not symptomatic, meaning the patient could have no indication that they are sick. While breast cancer is common, it's also very treatable when discovered at an earlier stage.
One way that Missouri Baptist Medical Center is making screenings more convenient is through its Mammography Van, which travels across St. Louis and rural parts of Missouri. The van is equipped with 3D mammography, which has the ability to detect smaller cancers that are often hard to detect with more dense breasts. The advanced technology is also typically covered by insurance, after a state law went into effect requiring providers to cover the cost. Physicians also take time to assess patients' family history and calculate lifetime risk assessment.
Photo courtesy of Missouri Baptist Medical Center
The Breast Health Center on the main campus of Missouri Baptist Medical Center also performs screenings and diagnostics for more than 100 patients each day. The facility's also equipped to perform biopsies and follow-ups if necessary. Beyond the main campus, Missouri Baptist Medical Center has two satellite locations, in Rock Hill and Sunset Hills, which also do screenings.
Not only was the Breast HealthCare Center at Missouri Baptist Medical Center recognized and accredited as a comprehensive center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, received the honor of Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers and has also been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
Between the main campus, satellite locations, and the Mammography Van, there's a way for every woman to obtain an annual breast exam, which takes less than 15 minutes. It could be the difference in saving your life or the life of a loved one.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
