In order to help detect and treat breast cancer at its earliest stage, screening exams and having regular mammograms are essential.
Screening can’t prevent breast cancer itself, but it can help to identify the disease before it spreads, making it easier to manage and treat in both men and women.
Aimed at those who recently turned 40-years-old or who have never had a mammogram, Munson Healthcare will conveniently offer mammogram appointments on Saturday, Oct. 19. Patients can also now selfrefer for screening mammograms at all Munson Healthcare locations without requiring a provider’s order, making it easier for people to self-advocate whether they do or do not have a primary care provider. Orders from a provider would be necessary if there’s additional imaging needed after the screening mammogram.
“This was a program that was very important to us at Munson Healthcare because it expanded access to patients that may not have a primary care provider established, so they’re able to take this into their own hands as needed,” said Branden Hill, System Director Radiology Services, Munson Healthcare. “We are offering that Saturday at the majority of our access points/locations as a means to make it more convenient to get your screening mammograms. If someone hasn’t had a mammogram in a year or two or five, then I would definitely recommend talking to your provider and or getting yourself referred and getting scheduled for that mammogram, it’s very important that we continue screening.”
Breast cancer is not only the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., but it’s also the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 9,410 Michigan residents will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,350 Michiganders will die from breast cancer this year.
The United States Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF), an organization made up of doctors and disease experts who look at research on the best ways to prevent diseases, updated their latest recommendations for breast cancer screenings in April 2024, urging all women ages 40 to 74-years-old to be screened every other year. However, Hill recommends that women between these ages get screened on an annual basis, noting that while there are varying organizations that recommend either every year or every other, most recommend every year. The American College of Radiology recommends that all women over 40 get annual mammograms, regardless of symptoms or family history. While the best time to start screening can vary based on factors like family health history and lifestyle, people should consult with their doctor about the best time to start screening.
“The biggest risk is just that you’re not going to catch early breast cancer. So whatever types of risks may come along with not detecting it early, that’s your biggest risk,” Hill said.
The mammogram screening process, which includes check in and the procedure, can take less than an hour to complete. Results from the screening are not available immediately, but will be available for viewing via a patient portal online. A copy of the results can also be faxed to the ordering provider or be mailed to the patient. At Munson Healthcare screening locations, 3D mammography screening is standard, and takes “the most advanced, low-dose imaging to detect, diagnose, or rule out breast cancer.” A mammogram itself is an x-ray of the breast, and allows for improved detection of small breast cancers by up to 30%.
“When you do get your results from your mammogram, you will be informed as to whether you have dense breasts or not, and your provider may make different recommendations on frequency of mammograms depending on whether you have dense breasts or not,” Hill said. “Dense breasts make it a little harder to potentially see a lesion or a mass, but we have fellowship certified radiologists reading all the mammograms, and once again, having the 3D mammography helps lessen the effect of dense breasts — and that’s a conversation between the patient and provider as to how to proceed if that gets identified.”
For those that may have difficulty affording mammogram services not covered by their insurance plan, Hill suggests people visit the Fair Market Health website, which allows patients to pay for services out-of-pocket using cash or other means such as their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
To schedule a mammogram screening with Munson at the Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City, call 800-968-9292 or go to www.munsonhealthcare. org/services/ radiology/mammography.
