Breast Care
Advances continue to be made in identifying breast cancer at an early stage when treatment options are most effective. Because of this, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. Crossing Rivers Health supports breast care in October and throughout the year. Our team continues to stay up to date on changes happening with breast care to offer our patients the best care.
Women at average risk of breast cancer should be screened with a mammogram yearly beginning at age 40. Factors such as family history, dense breast tissue, genetic mutation, previous chest radiation, and previous history of breast cancer can put women at a higher risk. These women should consult with their primary care provider to develop a personalized prevention plan.
Crossing Rivers Health is making a difference in our community by offering new breast care services. Our imaging services and primary care clinic have collaborated to bring a comprehensive breast risk assessment with each screening 3D mammogram. Family history of breast and ovarian cancer, breast density, and other personal factors are considered. Women with scores over 20% could be at increased risk of developing breast cancer sometime within their lifetime. Identifying this risk early can help women make informed decisions about additional screening options, consultation with a breast care specialist, and lifestyle modifications.
A new ruling took effect in September requiring all facilities that offer mammography services to notify patients of their breast density. This is included in patient result letters. Nearly half of all women have dense breast tissue (United States Preventative Services Task Force, 2024). Although dense breast tissue is not considered an abnormality, there is a higher incidence of breast cancer among these women. Researchers are unsure of the reason, but one theory is that since there are more cells in the dense tissue there is a greater chance those cells could develop into abnormal cells (American Cancer Society, n.d.).
Crossing Rivers Health is now offering Breast MRI as an additional screening modality to help diagnose cancers that may be difficult to identify through 3D mammography. This is especially helpful for women who have dense breast tissue. Radiologists are looking for a white spot (cancer) on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram, thus making it extremely difficult and, in some cases, impossible to identify a cancer. Breast MRI can “see through” this dense breast tissue for improved accuracy. Breast MRI may also be used to give us additional information if a breast cancer has already been diagnosed.
Crossing Rivers Health has also developed a Breast Nurse Navigator program. Our nurse navigator assists patients diagnosed with or determined to be at high risk for breast cancer by answering questions and coordinating the specialized care they need. As a team, the primary care provider and the nurse navigator can help women develop a plan of care personalized to their needs and wishes. We are here to support the patient and family throughout this difficult time.
Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by supporting the survivors in your life, scheduling your screening mammogram, and encouraging those you care about to schedule theirs, too. We wear pink in October because we care!