We All Know That Early Diagnosis Saves Lives – Putting Off Your Breast Cancer Screenings Is Risky

By Krystal Smith, D.O.

Our world has changed. We’re all aware of that now, and we feel we’ve somewhat mastered the art of avoidance, but it’s imperative not to put off your health screenings. Medical facilities adhere to rigorous protocols to keep everyone safe (patients and staff) with stringent guidelines. The Breast Center of Naples goes above and beyond these guidelines to keep their patients healthy. The Center is a safe place for patients to feel relaxed, comfortable, and well-cared for while getting their screenings with the most advanced equipment and technology.

A recent study showed that women that get regular breast cancer screenings cut their risk of dying from breast cancer in half.1

According to the American College of Radiology, they recommend annual mammographic screening beginning at age 40 for women of average risk. Supplemental screening with breast ultrasound or MRI is recommended in ladies with dense breast tissue. Higher-risk women should start mammographic screening earlier and may benefit from supplemental screening modalities. For women with genetics-based increased risk (and their untested first-degree relatives), with a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or more or a history of chest or mantle radiation therapy at a young age, supplemental screening with contrast-enhanced breast MRI is recommended. Breast MRI is also recommended for women with personal histories of breast cancer and dense tissue, or those diagnosed by age 50. Others with histories of breast cancer and those with atypia at biopsy should consider additional surveillance with MRI, especially if other risk factors are present. Ultrasound can be considered for those who qualify for but cannot undergo MRI. All women, especially black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30, so that those at higher risk can be identified and can benefit from supplemental screening.2

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.

Mammograms have helped diagnose breast cancer early and eliminate metastasizing cancer and deaths; however, not all breast cancer is detected with traditional mammography. Additional 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 you an advanced imaging test.

Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are self-diagnoses. 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)

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

KRYSTAL SMITH, D.O.
Board Certified Diagnostic Radiologist with specialty fellowship training in Breast Imaging. She is the founder of the Breast Center of Naples. She has dedicated her career to women’s health, patient-centered care, and the early detection of breast cancer.

References:
1. Tabar L, Vitak B, Chen TH, et al. Swedish two-county trial: impact of mammographic screening on breast cancer mortality during 3 decades. Radiology 2011;260:658-63.
2. ACR, Breast Cancer Screening in Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Recommendations From the ACR, February 2018, https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/ACR-Position-Statements/Breast-Cancer-Screening-in-Women-at-Higher-Than-Average-Risk