Cancer Awareness Treatments should be year-round

Cancer Awareness Month takes year-round attention

Missouri Valley’s CHI Health Care shares some information about ‘Cancer Awareness Month’ as October is past the halfway point.

CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital Elevates Breast Cancer Awareness Beyond the Mammogram: Unveiling the Power of Breast Density Information

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has long emphasized the critical role of mammograms. However, recent federal legislation has transformed this conversation, making it deeply personal for every woman. CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital is proud to announce its comprehensive approach to breast density, ensuring that every patient understands their unique risk profile and receives personalized care.

Following a mammogram, every woman now receives a letter detailing her breast density. This crucial piece of information, often overlooked in the past, is key to understanding individual screening needs and potential cancer risk.

Understanding Breast Density: A New Dimension in Breast Health

Breast density is categorized by the American College of Radiology (ACR) BI-RADS® system, which assesses the ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue to fatty tissue. Our dedicated radiologists meticulously utilize this system to provide accurate classifications:

• Category A: Almost Entirely Fatty (10% of US population): Breasts are mostly fat, allowing for highly effective mammographic detection of cancer.

• Category B: Scattered Fibroglandular Density (40% of US population): While some patches of dense tissue are present, mammograms remain effective due to small, scattered dense areas.

• Category C: Heterogeneously Dense (40% of US population): Breasts are predominantly dense, which can make it challenging to detect small cancers. Mammogram visibility is reduced, necessitating further discussion.

• Category D: Extremely Dense (10% of US population): Breasts are nearly all dense tissue, significantly increasing the difficulty of detecting cancer on a standard mammogram.

Why Breast Density Matters: Addressing Key Challenges

For women with Category C or D breast density, two significant challenges arise:

1. Masking Effect: Both dense tissue and cancerous tumors appear white on a mammogram, creating a "snowball in a blizzard" effect that can obscure malignancies.

2. Independent Risk Factor: Breast density itself is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women in Category D face a higher lifetime risk of developing the disease.

CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital's Commitment to Quality Imaging and Expert

Consultation

Despite being a smaller, rural facility, CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital is unwavering in its commitment to delivering top-tier imaging and follow-up care.

• Advanced Imaging Technology: We utilize Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D imaging technology, the same state-of-the-art equipment found in larger metropolitan facilities. This advanced technology provides the clearest possible images for all patients and is particularly vital for our radiologists performing detailed reviews in women with Category C or D density.
• The Power of Consultation: For women receiving a Category C or D result, the most critical next step is scheduling a conversation with their Primary Care Provider (PCP). This vital discussion will cover:
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  • Family History and Risk Factors: The PCP will combine breast density information with personal and family medical history (including prior biopsies) to calculate a precise lifetime breast cancer risk. We utilize the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (the Gail Model), seamlessly integrated into our pre-mammogram Epic questionnaires, to determine each patient's risk percentage.
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  • External Supplemental Screening: Based on the calculated risk profile, the provider may recommend supplemental screening, such as a Breast MRI, at a larger medical center nearby. CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital is dedicated to coordinating these referrals seamlessly, ensuring comprehensive and continuous care for our patients.

"For too long, breast cancer awareness focused solely on the mammogram. While essential, we now have the tools and the legislative mandate to make this deeply personal," CHI Health Missouri Valley Radiology Supervisor Jessica Lehan said. "Understanding your breast density empowers you to have a proactive conversation with your doctor about your unique risk and the best screening strategy for you. At CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital, we are equipped with leading-edge technology and a commitment to personalized care, ensuring every woman in our community receives the most informed breast health guidance."

CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital proudly supports the ACR's "Mammography Saves Lives" initiative, emphasizing that informed screening, especially with the added layer of breast density awareness, is paramount in the fight against breast cancer.

Schedule Your Appointment

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CHI Health Missouri Valley will be hosting a “Donuts for Detection” event on Sat., Oct. 25, with appointments beginning at 8 a.m. There are limited appointments available, and those scheduling are encouraged to bring a friend or two to enjoy donuts and some Breast Cancer Awareness swag.

If you are interested in this event, or would like to schedule a mammogram, please call 712-642-9204 for more information or to schedule an appointment.