You have probably heard the phrase, “Early Detection is the Best Prevention.,” but do you know what early detection really means in relation to breast cancer? Perhaps you may have thought that the term “early detection” simply meant diagnosing cancer sooner rather than later. While the prior statement is true, early detection has a far deeper meaning in the detection of breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, the definition of “early detection” is finding and diagnosing a disease earlier than if you would wait for symptoms to start. Breast cancers detected at their earliest, most curable stages may not present with any symptoms. In fact, the characteristics of early cancers may not be able to be physically seen or felt (cancerous changes in tissue can be as small as a grain of sand) for up to two years after their inception. Therefore, the only way to detect these cancers is by means of undergoing an annual mammography screening. Breast cancers that are discovered during a routine screening mammogram are likely to be smaller and at a localized (still confined to the breast tissue) stage in comparison to palpable lumps (lumps that can be felt) and may have metastasis to surrounding regions of the body.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected during a screening mammogram at its earliest, most curable stage, the 5 year survival rate is 99%.
The most important actions that all women can take to ensure that breast cancer is detected at its earliest, most curable stage are to:
1. Be sure to attend annual wellness visits with your healthcare provider who will perform a clinical breast examination to detect abnormalities.
2. Perform monthly breast-self examinations to familiarize yourself with the way your breasts normally look and feel, so that you will be prompt to notice changes in your breast tissue.
3. If you are 40 years of age or older, have a screening mammogram every year.
4. If the images from your mammogram images indicate that you have dense breast tissue, be sure to undergo a screening breast ultrasound along with your mammogram to allow the radiologist to see through the dense tissue. So now that you know the significance of early detection in relation to breast cancer, the next step is to ensure that you are receiving your breast imaging from a state-of-the-art, comprehensive breast center.
Whether it is time for you to have your first mammogram or you have had countless mammograms but are actively searching for a new breast center, Little Silver Mammography, HerSpace, is here to guide you in your journey by outlining the top 5 qualifying factors of a leading, state-of-the-art breast center.
Here Is Your Checklist:
1. The center is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
2. The facility is up to date with the use of the latest biomedical technology equipment advancements.
3. The facility has board-certified radiologists, specializing in Breast Imaging.
4. The facility has a radiologist on-site to interpret your images and provide you with immediate results at the termination of your exam.
5. The facility has the capability of adding same-day additional imaging to avoid call-backs and performs breast imaging studies beyond screening mammograms, specifically: Diagnostic Mammography, Screening Breast Ultrasound, Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound, and Breast Biopsy.
Red Bank Radiologists- Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace is accredited by the American College of Radiology- specializing in 3D Mammography, Breast Ultrasound and Breast Biopsy. Our facility is equipped with the latest, cutting edge technology, providing the highest quality images and same-day expert readings by our on-site board certified radiologists, who specialize in breast imaging.
To provide our patients with the most stress-free breast imaging experience, our radiologists take pride in providing our patients with same-day results at the termination of the exam. Our facility is more than just a mammography center- we are a comprehensive breast center. Should one of our radiologists determine that a patient who initially comes into our office for a screening mammogram requires further imaging, all additional diagnostic studies will be added on the same day during our daily designated diagnostic hours. Additionally, to create the most stress-free experience, Red Bank Radiologists-Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace participates with all health insurance companies.
We hope that we were able to educate you on the importance of early detection and to provide you with the perfect guidance that you need to ensure that you entrust your health to a state-of-the art breast center.
If it is time to book your routine mammography screening, please call our office at 732-741-9595 to schedule your appointment.
littlesilverherspace.com
