You At Your Best

sPOnsOr cOntent www.noRtHweStHeAltH.com October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the perfect time to discuss the importance of mammography. Because breast cancer is often detectable in its early stages when there's a good chance for a cure, breast cancer screening is essential to early detection. Most significantly, mammography is an important line of defense against breast cancer because it can identify tumors even before they can be felt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races. The American Cancer Society estimates about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 43,600 will die from breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting between the ages 40-44, with no upper age limit as long as the woman is in good health. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. If a woman is at high risk for developing breast cancer, her doctor may recommend screening at a younger age, along with additional imaging studies. The three breast imaging centers at Northwest Health are proud to offer a variety of breast cancer screening techniques: • Northwest Imaging Center at Willow Creek • Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville • Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Screening and diagnostic mammography A conventional screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray test that creates images of breast tissue so doctors can check for lesions or other abnormalities. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt, and can find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. A mammogram used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease is called a diagnostic mammogram. Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape; however, these signs may also be signs of benign or non-cancerous breast conditions. Digital mammography At Northwest Health, women who undergo routine mammograms also have up-to-date diagnostic technology available with digital mammography. While digital imaging feels almost identical to conventional mammography, its benefits are a shorter exam time than traditional mammograms, and less chance that patients will be called back for repeat exams. Digital images tend to provide doctors with better visibility of the breast, chest wall and dense breast tissue. Through computer-aided technology, radiologists are able to enhance certain areas of the digital images to get a more precise picture of a patient's condition. The professionals at Northwest Health are ready to provide the breast screening technique that is appropriate for the individual woman. Visit www.NorthwestMammo.com to request an appointment. Walk-in appointments are also available at the Bentonville and Willow Creek locations. This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information to facilitate conversations with their physician. Breast cancer screening can save lives 281,550 new cASeS of invASive BReASt cAnceR will Be DiAgnoSeD 43,600 will Die fRom BReASt cAnceR Source: American cancer Society 4 | YOu At YOur best | YOuAtYOurbest.nWAOnline.cOm OctOber - WOmen's HeAltH | sundAY, sePtember 26, 2021

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