Published: October 06, 2008 09:34 am         

Better breast cancer detection

Stillwater gets breast MRI and digital mammography

Great strides have been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, and some of the tools are now available in Stillwater.

One tool that has previously been available only in larger cities but is now being used in Stillwater is digital mammography. This advancement allows the most advanced care for patients by providing clear, highly detailed breast images, which is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and getting a patient on the proper treatment program to good health.

“Basically two things have changed since last year,” said Dr. Chuck Horner of Stillwater Radiology. “In the spring we began offering breast MRI and more recently came the introduction of digital mammography. This advancement allows us to rapidly acquire images since film does not need to be developed. This allows us to see results quicker, which is nice for diagnostic or problem-solving cases.”

With the goal of bringing awareness to the disease and to raise funds for research into breast cancer’s cause, prevention and cure, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed in October, as it has been since 1985.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will get the disease; last year alone almost 180,000 women found out they had breast cancer. More than 2 million are living with cancer or have survived it, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease each year.

This breaks down to approximately 2,270 Oklahoma women being diagnosed this year. Roughly 510 of those women are expected to die from breast cancer.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends that women get screened for breast cancer so that early detection and treatment can save their life.

“The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to obtain an annual mammogram starting at age 40,” said Secretary of Health and Commissioner of Health Dr. Mike Crutcher, in a press release. “Having a clinical breast exam at least every three years by a doctor or nurse is another way to detect breast cancer early.

“While it is not yet known exactly what causes breast cancer, it is known that certain risk factors are linked to the disease. Women under the age of 40 and those at high risk for breast cancer should talk with their health care provider about screening recommendations.”

     

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