October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Chances are you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, with 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in her lifetime. You may not be able to prevent breast cancer, but you can take steps to help detect it earlier. Getting a mammogram is the first line of defense.
Where you have your mammography matters
Not all mammograms are equal. Women nowadays have more choices when it comes to getting a mammogram. Often times at health fairs or other venues, mobile mammography services are advertised to try to get more women through the door. Although mobile mammograms can seem to be a convenient time-saver for some women, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
- Most mobile mammography services are not 3D, which is the preferred technology, especially for women with dense breasts.
- If your mammogram is done on a mobile unit and requires additional follow-up, this will need to be done on a fixed mammography unit, not the mobile unit your screening mammogram was completed on.
When it comes to something as important as mammography, only the highest quality of care should do. Rest assured, you have that at Pullman Regional Hospital. We have three-dimensional breast tomography, referred to as 3D Mammography. This revolutionary screening and diagnostic tool is specifically designed for early breast cancer detection, allowing the radiologist to scroll through image slices of your entire breast like pages of a book. With traditional mammograms, breast tissue can sometimes overlap, mimicking an abnormality and causing a “false positive” screening interpretation. 3D mammography allows radiologists to provide a more confident assessment, and finds cancers that can be missed with conventional 2D mammography.
More questions about 3D Mammography? Read the Q&A with Dr. Lloyd.
Additionally, our Imaging department has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This means our breast imaging center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, medical equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs. A Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) means we are accredited in all breast modalities by the ACR.
- Mammography
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Ultrasound guided breast biopsy
“The Breast Imaging Center of Excellence accreditation signifies that our center provides services at the highest standards of the radiology profession.” – Brenda Champoux, (RT)(M)
Make your Appointment Today
Early detection matters. Where you have your mammogram matters. What are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today at (509) 336-7446.
