Conversation around National Breastfeeding Awareness Month often touches upon breast cancer prevention. In fact, the National Cancer Institute recognizes ductal carcinoma as the most common form of breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma occurs in the milk ducts. An early form of breast cancer, it’s important to detect ductal carcinoma early on to prevent advancement and avoid unnecessary complications.
The National Cancer Institute estimates a total of 232,670 new cases of breast cancer in the United States for 2014. In 2010, it was found that 67.1% of women 40 years of age and over had a mammogram within the past 2 years. Our mission is to improve this percentage.
The women’s imaging center at OakBend Medical Center offers a variety of services to detect breast cancer. Our mammographers, ultrasound technicians, and physicians provide the most up-to-date procedures for breast screening and diagnosis.
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that screens for breast cancer and is the most effective method of early detection. Mammograms can detect cancer in women who otherwise have no signs or symptoms, which is why we encourage women aged 40 and older to include a mammogram as part of their annual physical.
If mammogram results are abnormal, the doctor will perform a breast ultrasound with Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. This is clinically proven to provide clearer results and does not need to compress the breast in order to detect cancer activity.
If determined necessary, a patient may undergo a stereotactic guided biopsy. The name may sound intimidating, but the procedure is in fact minimally invasive with minimum discomfort and is performed on an outpatient basis.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services, please call OakBend Medical Center at (281) 341-4817.
