BREAST CANCER:
B
The Importance of Early Detection
reast cancer is the second most common cancer in
women, according to the American Cancer Society.
By undergoing regular breast screenings, you can
catch abnormalities before they become more serious.
SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES
Lisa Bash, MD, medical director of the Breast Center at
Chilton Medical Center, stresses the importance of mammograms (x-rays of the breasts), starting at age 40 and continuing annually per American Cancer Society recommendations.
“Early detection is the best defense,” Dr. Bash says. “The
sooner we catch it, the better the outcome. Mammograms
have decreased the mortality rate significantly.”
She notes that there have been noticeable advancements
in recent years, including 3D mammography (digital breast
tomosynthesis).
Performed in conjunction with traditional digital mammography, 3-D mammography uses an X-ray arm to sweep
in a slight arc over the breast to capture multiple images in
seconds. These high-resolution images are then viewed individually as one millimeter “slices” and in rapid succession to
produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the entire
breast. This means, instead of viewing all the breast tissue in
one flat image, doctors can examine the tissue one layer or
“page” at a time.
“A mammogram is a two-dimensional x-ray, used to look
at breasts which are three-dimensional objects. Unfortunately,
they’re not going to catch everything,” says Dr. Bash. “3D
mammograms vastly improve our ability to find smaller
cancers, while also diminishing the need for additional testing.
It has the potential to change how women receive mammograms and howdoctors diagnose breast cancer.”
And if the diagnosis is cancer, prompt and expert medical
care is critical. Patients have convenient access to Chilton
Cancer Center, a premier facility providing a seamless
continuum of care for cancer patients and their families.
Patients are offered a full spectrum of services for all stages
of breast cancer management, as well as for caregivers and
family members right in their own community.
LAWMAKERS SHOW SUPPORT
Last year, New Jersey legislators made breast cancer
prevention a priority by passing a law to educate women
about breast density – a potential risk factor. Since the law
went into effect, every woman in New Jersey who undergoes
a mammogram receives a follow-up letter advising her that
she may have dense breasts (more connective tissue than fat).
Physicians and patients are encouraged to discuss additional breast imaging options, including breast ultrasound,
if breast density is high.
At Chilton Breast Center all mammography technologists
are trained in both mammography and breast ultrasound,
so patients experience more seamless care.
Chilton Medical Center’s breast health services include
the latest imaging technology, including 3D digital mammography, and top specialists, including board-certified,
dedicated breast imagers, surgeons and oncologists with
expertise in breast cancer care. The Breast Center is designated
a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American
College of Radiology, a prestigious honor awarded to breast
imaging centers that display the highest practice standards. For
more information about 3-D mammography, or to schedule a
mammogram appointment at The Breast Center, please call
973-829-7935. ❖
Supplement to wayne magazine