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For those who may be concerned about receiving a mammogram , whether it ’ s because they ’ ve experienced pain themselves or heard from family members about the “ torture rack-like device ” they were subjected to , Dr . Smith said that upgrades from manufacturer General Electric means the current paddle system is not as painful and is much more comfortable .
“ They actually listened to their female patients – go figure ,” Smith joked .
She has been scanned by the new paddles herself , and she said they still cause some pressure , but on the whole they do not cause any of the same pain symptoms as the older machines did .
Another upgrade to the mammogram system is having a 3D scan , which is similar to having a mini-CT scan on breasts .
“ Every woman should have a 3D mammogram ,” Smith said . “ It helps us detect smaller things , but what it ’ s really helpful for is it helps us exclude things that aren ’ t cancer .”
Meaning that on a 2D scan , the radiologist may see something that looks hazy or needs to be looked at closer . But on a 3D scan , it can be looked at from a variety of angles to rule out any problems right there .
Smith also made a suggestion that would help women further narrow down possible problems – knowing where your last mammogram was taken .
If they have had a previous mammogram somewhere other than
“ the Imaging Center , it helps the Imaging Center know where to look for those , especially if a blip does pop up on their scan . By comparing the two images , they might be able to rule out a non-cancerous abnormality if it appeared on the previous scan .
Should the scan show something that needs to be looked at further , the patient will be informed and brought in for a more targeted mammogram . They may also get an ultrasound of the area as well .
Should a patient be diagnosed with breast cancer , Dr . Smith said that LCRH has something that she considers essential for the patient – breast cancer navigators .
“ That means when you get diagnosed with breast cancer , you get hooked up with a person whose job is to help you get through this , because you will have an oncologist , you will have a radiation oncologist , you will have a breast surgeon , you will have an internist ,” and the navigator ’ s job is to lead you through the process so you will not be confused along the way .
Dr . Smith also offered this advice : “ The one thing that I hear from breast cancer survivors all the time is take someone with you every single appointment , because you will not catch everything .”
Smith recommended three websites for those who are looking for more information . The American Cancer Society , the NCCN – National Comprehensive Cancer Network , and the National Cancer Institute all have great articles and resources that everyone can understand . They are especially good for those who have been newly diagnosed , she said .
For more information or to schedule a mammogram , Call the LCRH Imaging Center ’ s central scheduling number at 606- 678-3545 .
“ We want to save women ’ s lives . The way
we do that is with mammography ...” - Dr . Jennifer Smith
18 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky September 2022