Are You Still Putting Off Your Mammogram Due to COVID?

By Krystal Smith, D.O.

In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death after heart disease in women. And here locally, in the state of Florida, nearly 16,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year.

Mammograms help diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage and save lives, eliminating metastasizing cancer and deaths in many cases. Even if you are fearful of going into a medical facility because of the DELTA variant, you should know that it’s much more harmful to avoid getting a mammogram.

We are here to help you and early detection means better survival rates and optimal outcomes. Our priority is to keep you and our staff safe. At Breast Center of Naples, we are taking all necessary precautions and utilizing rigorous protocols. Additionally, the risk of not getting your breast screening is a precarious decision.

The following information is provided by American Cancer Society:

How has the occurrence of breast cancer changed over time?
Incidence rates of DCIS and invasive breast cancer rose rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly among women 50 years of age and older, largely due to increases in the prevalence of mammography screening, which increased from 29% in 1987 to 70% in 2000. For example, DCIS rates among women 50 and older, increased more than 11-fold from 1980 (7 cases per 100,000) to 2008 (83 cases per 100,000).

The incidence rate for invasive breast cancer has been slowly increasing since 2004. A recent study concluded that increases in body mass index (BMI) and declines in the average number of births per woman (both breast cancer risk factors) have likely contributed to the recent increase in incidence.

The number of women that survive breast cancer is growing and that is largely due to education and early diagnosis. However, we don’t want those numbers to start trending in the wrong direction. It’s imperative that you continue to get your health screenings. If you are due for your mammogram, schedule it now. If you have any breast problems or symptoms, schedule a mammogram and an appointment with your provider immediately.

Screening
A small investment of your time can help save your life. Early breast cancer diagnosis is what spares lives and offers longevity. Physicians cannot stress the importance of getting regular mammograms as well as doing self-breast examinations enough. The breast cancer survival rates in the U.S. are 80-90% if caught in the first stage due to advanced care. However, the diagnosis in later stages drastically drops the survival rate to 24%. It’s essential to schedule your mammogram tests regularly, and if you feel a lump, please contact your physician immediately.

Diagnostic
Some symptoms of breast cancer are lumps in the breast or underarm, pain, nipple discharge, or a physical change in the appearance of the breast or nipple. If you have any of those symptoms, your doctor will order a diagnostic imaging test that will likely include mammogram and ultrasound.

Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are clinical and self-breast exams. If you notice any changes, making an appointment with your physician is vital.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors
• Being Female
• Age
• Cancer Recurrence
• Overweight
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Alcohol consumption
• Environmental toxins
• Dense breast tissue
• Unhealthy lifestyle & diet
• Menstrual onset before 12 yrs.
• Menopause after 55 yrs.
• Family History (sister mother, daughter)
• Genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
Source: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/statistics

Breast Center of Naples
Here at Breast Center of Naples, breast imaging is all we do! Dr. Smith and her specialized staff have dedicated their lives to caring for women and the early detection of breast cancer. In contrast to other imaging centers, your care will solely be provided by fellowship trained breast radiologists and a team of specialized technologists and sonographers. Not only do we offer this specialized care, we do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier County. Our luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits you where you are treated like family as soon as you enter the office. When you first arrive, you will experience our beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for your imaging, you will be taken to our calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for your exam.

Advanced Equipment and Technology
We have only state of the art equipment which includes Hologic 3D Mammography, GE ultrasound, and Hologic bone density. We offer the area’s only true screening ultrasound program for patients with dense breast tissue. All of these services are offered in one of the area’s newest Class A buildings – The Kraft Center.

Contact The Breast Center of Naples Today.
239-238-1210
Breastcenterofnaples.com
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105