The best protection is early detection.
Women have heard that line for decades. Some act on it; others wait.
But why wait? Today’s technology is so advanced that radiologists can find something as small as a grain of sand. Early detection can make a significant difference. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer that is found while it is still localized to the breast has a five-year relative survival rate of greater than 99%.
Listen to that again: 99%.
“That’s one of the most important things about screening. You don’t have to wait until you feel something,” said Judy Rothie, mammography technician for Bitterroot Health Imaging. “A mammogram can find changes when they are very small, before you notice any symptoms. It’s a relatively short appointment that can provide incredibly important information about our health.”
Bitterroot Health, the rural, nonprofit community hospital, offers 3D mammography at two convenient locations: Bitterroot Health Hamilton Imaging and Bitterroot Health Stevensville Imaging. The 3D images can be enhanced and rotated, which helps the provider differentiate between abnormalities and benign cysts.
Since its introduction, the 3D mammogram has significantly reduced the rate of false positives and unnecessary re-exams. Plus, regular year-to-year tracking creates a personal baseline of the breast tissue, making it easier for radiologists to spot subtle new changes. In those instances where tumors are found, early detection often allows for less intensive treatment.
Bitterroot also offers an Aid for Mammography Fund for qualifying women who may have difficulty paying for screening. The fund was established when insurance coverage for mammography was more limited and continues today because cost should not be a barrier to an important screening.
“Our goal is to help patients access the preventive care they need to live the healthiest lives possible,” said Nate Kunz, senior director of primary care. “Early detection can save lives and improve treatment outcomes. Whether you choose Bitterroot Health or another care provider, what matters most is that you prioritize getting screened and staying on top of your health.”
Screening recommendations are based on age, family history and individual risk factors. Women should talk with their healthcare provider about when to start mammography and how often to be screened. Bitterroot Health currently recommends that women begin discussing regular mammography with their provider at age 40.
To schedule a mammogram, please visit bitterroothealth.org/mammo or call 406.375.4888. To learn more about the Aid for Mammography Fund, please visit bitterroothealth.org/AMF.
