If you’ve been putting off getting a mammogram, this is your friendly reminder to schedule it now.
With breast cancer remaining one of the most common cancers among women worldwide — second only to skin cancer — awareness and early detection are critical tools in the fight against this disease affecting one in eight women over the course of their lifetimes.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Vitruvian Health’s Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI) at Hamilton Medical Center is emphasizing the need for early intervention. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 300,000 women are projected to be diagnosed this year in the United States alone. Men can get breast cancer, too.
But the disease has become increasingly curable thanks to medical advancements and early detection. There is now an overall five-year survival rate of 91 percent for female breast cancer patients, though rates vary depending on the stage at diagnosis.
Monthly breast self-exams are critical, but mammograms can detect breast tumors that are too tiny to feel. If you feel changes in your breasts, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible.
PCI, which opened in 2020, is home to Dalton’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, which includes a comprehensive team of board-certified medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and general surgeons/breast specialists; 3D digital mammography; breast elastography; breast ultrasound; 3D stereotactic breast biopsy; state-of-the-art radiation therapies; customized treatment plans; genetic testing and counseling; patient navigation and oncology social work services; and breast surgery and reconstruction.
“Regular mammograms empower women to take control of their health,” said Jayme Carrico, executive director of PCI. “By detecting issues early, women give themselves the gift of the greatest chance for successful treatment. We stand by them every step of the way.”
Comprehensive breast MRI services are available at Hamilton Diagnostics Center (HDC).
Using the state-of-the-art Siemens Magnetom Lumina 3T MRI system and NeoCoil MRI breast coil, HDC delivers exceptional image quality and improved patient comfort during diagnostic and biopsy MRI procedures. HDC radiologists and technologists have received specialized training on the equipment to provide patients with the best care and experience.
There is also a strong emphasis on education and moral support. PCI’s offerings include:
- Cancer Support Group meetings the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
- A free lending library where patients, caregivers and others can check out books on
- cancer, take home brochures and other literature or use computers designated for
- individuals to do their own cancer research.
- A support line that is free and available to the public during regular business hours: 706-272-6060.
- Beauty services at Boggs Boutique for patients to have their heads shaved and select hats, wigs, scarves and nontoxic makeup.
To schedule a mammogram at Peeples Cancer Institute, call 706-272-6565.
Who should get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends women at average risk for breast cancer be screened according to these guidelines:
- Ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Ages 55 and older should have mammograms every one to two years.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year starting at age 30. Factors considered high risk include:
- Having a family history of breast cancer.
- Having a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or a first-degree relative with the mutation.
- Having had radiation therapy to the chest area before age 30.
- Having Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome or a first-degree relative with one of these syndromes.