Pink. Ribbons. October. These are things a woman might associate with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceed only by lung cancer.
Detection of breast cancer is easier than ever with technology advances like 3D mammography, which helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. The healthcare industry wants women to find breast and cervical cancer early. It can mean the difference between having a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, needing chemotherapy or not, and having radiation or no radiation.
“Our goal is to obtain the highest quality image, which will provide the earliest detection possible, and allow our physicians to provide the best treatment for our patients,” JRMC Radiology Manager, Jason Schaffer said.
Breast cancer can metastasize through the breast to the lymph nodes and other parts of the human body. It is important to take action once cancer is detected to prevent metastasization and in some cases, ultimately death.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center offers the following services to patients wanting to keep their care local:
- Mastectomy. The removal of the entire breast can help eliminate the worry about recurrence.
- Lumpectomy. Less invasive and can keep the breast, a lumpectomy is a common choice for most women who are able to choose between a lumpectomy and mastectomy. Five to seven weeks of radiation therapy is likely to follow up a lumpectomy.
“Growing up in a small town, I can understand the impact of having these types of procedures available to the community of Jamestown and its surrounding areas,” said Dr. Jonathan Eldor, general surgeon. “It makes a great difference being able to have local care.”
- Biopsy. A test to remove tissue or fluid from the breast and then looked at through a microscope. Afterward, there is more testing done to check for cancer.
- 3D mammography. 3D versus 2D. The primary advantage is better image quality and the utilization of computer technology to improve the accuracy of testing. It also helps to eliminate false positives. 3D technology works behind the scenes to create multiple images where standard technology can only produce two or four images.
JRMC is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering 3D mammography, JRMC provides the latest in imaging quality. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact JRMC Radiology at (701) 952-4852.
If you or a loved one recently joined the fight against cancer, contact a physician and ask about keeping the care local.
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