| October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are many events, ads, articles and reminders of how important it is for women to get their annual mammogram. Statistics show that early detection saves lives. Technology continues to improve, making detection faster, less painful and more accurate. Detection can identify cancer at an early stage when treatment options may be more effective.
Statistics improve every year for breast cancer in women, however the chance of developing breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is about 1 in 8 or 13 percent of women. In 2006, estimated new cancer cases in women were 212,920, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer occurs in men as well, with an estimated 1,720 cases diagnosed in 2006. Of these estimated cases, 41,430 deaths will occur.
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Death rates are declining. “Death rates from breast cancer declined by an average of 2.3 percent per year from 1990 to 2002 in all women combined, with larger decreases in younger women, under 50” according to the American Cancer Society. These decreases are attributed to earlier detection, increased awareness and improved treatment.
Technology has played a large part in this success by detecting breast cancer earlier. Mammography is considered the best way to detect breast cancer. Direct Digital Mammography is replacing traditional film mammograms in diagnostic medical imaging practices across the U.S. The Women’s Diagnostic Center at Advanced Medical Imaging recently installed this new technology at their Silverdale location. Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. Images of areas of concern can be manipulated electronically, enhanced, magnified, brightened or contrasted so the radiologist can better read the images for more accurate detection. There is a higher detection rate, reduced radiation dose and fewer callbacks or retakes. This is great news for women.
In addition to direct digital mammography, additional imaging to detect breast cancer include:
Breast MRI: New 2007 guidelines by the American Cancer Society recommend an annual breast MRI in addition to an annual mammogram for 1.4 million U.S. women who are considered “high risk” for breast cancer. A new study, led by Dr. Constance Lehman from the University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, also suggest that all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer should get an MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a non-invasive way of viewing body structures without x-ray. It uses magnetic field and radio waves together with a computer to create cross-sectional, 3-D pictures. MRI shows increased or abnormal blood flow in the breast, a sign of early cancers not visible on a mammogram. MRI is not a replacement for mammography but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer or abnormalities. This procedure is done at the High-field MRI location behind Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton.
MRI-guided Breast Biopsy is new technology also available at Advanced Medical Imaging. This is an important advancement for women needing a breast biopsy when the abnormality is visible only on the MRI. It is fast, accurate and minimally invasive leaving little or no scarring. Another big plus for Kitsap women is that they no longer need to travel to Seattle for this procedure. This technology uses a special vacuum-assisted core needle to withdraw sample tissue from the area of concern. The entire procedure takes less than one hour and uses only topical anesthetic. This procedure is also done at the High-field MRI location in Bremerton.
Stereotactic Core Biopsy and Ultrasound-guided Biopsy are additional breast exams available at Advanced Medical Imaging at the Women’s Diagnostic Center in Silverdale.
A new office of Advanced Medical Imaging offering Direct Digital Mammography will be opening this fall for the convenience of South Kitsap residents. It will be located on the Harrison Medical Center Port Orchard campus at 450 South Kitsap Boulevard.
For more information, call Advanced Medical Imaging at 360-337-6500, or 800-972-9264 or visit www.amiradiology.com.
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