Early Detection and Mammograms
by Heather Shelby, RN, Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, FL (850)638-1610

Breast Cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in their lifetime. Numerous studies prove that early detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Mammograms play an essential part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages. It is still of equal value for women of child bearing age to perform monthly breast self- exams at home and report to their physician any abnormal findings. A yearly clinical breast exam should be performed by your physician when you have your annual check-up or PAP. Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high quality x-rays. At Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, we use Hologic, state of the art digital mammography equipment for both screening and diagnostic mammograms. We are also a proud certified Softer Mammogram Provider. Our facility provides every woman with the MammoPad breast cushion – a soft, foam pad that creates a cushion between you and the mammography machine. So you can relax, knowing your mammogram will be warm and comfortable.
With the technology we now use, digital screening mammogram images are captured on specially designed digital detectors. The digital detector converts x-rays into an electrical signal that can be reviewed quickly by the radiologist on high-resolution computer monitors. A radiologist is available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at NFCH. Another benefit of digital technology is that the radiologist can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. From a patient’s point of view, going digital will greatly reduce the need for retakes and saves you time. Yes, the machine will still compress the breasts to spread out the tissue to the maximum amount of tissue can be examined. Having your mammogram at NFCH with the MammoPad breast cushion, you will be warm and more comfortable.

So, who should have a mammogram? Good question. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40 and that beginning at the age of 40, women have a screening mammogram each year. In addition to annual screening, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.

Risk factors for breast cancer include: family or personal history of breast cancer, early menstrual onset/late onset menopause, use of oral contraceptives, use of hormone replacement therapy, and if you consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

A few tips for women that need a screening mammogram: many resources are available in our community . You can enroll in the American Breast Cancer Foundation Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Assistance Program by calling toll free 1-877-539-2543. You will receive a grant voucher to come to Northwest Florida Community Hospital and have your screening mammogram. This foundation can even help you if there are abnormalities with your screening and other tests are ordered. Another community assistance program in our area is BCCOURA (Breast and Cervical Cancer Outreach for Underserved and Rural Areas) from the State of FL Department Of Health. You may contact us here at NFCH through Central Scheduling (850)415-8111 and discuss with the scheduler if you qualify for this program. Otherwise, if you have health insurance, a primary care physician and it has been at least 1 year since your last screening mammogram or if you need your very first screening, please call and REFER YOURSELF! Call us at (850)415-8111 and get an appointment through our Self-Referral Mammogram Program.

Women that come in as a “self-referral” will receive a private yet informative clinical breast exam by Heather Shelby, RN who was recently certified in Gainesville, FL at Mammatech as a clinical breast examiner. You will be receiving in-depth education on how to perform your own breast self-exams at home each month to detect any abnormalities early. Afterwards, a female technician will perform the screening with the soft pad in place for your comfort and the images will be sent to a radiologist to read the screening and interpret the results. Make sure you do not wear deodorant, powder or creams under your arms as it may interfere with the quality of your mammogram. You will be notified of results within 10 business days. If any suspicious findings arise, you will be contacted by phone to discuss your options and the Nurse Navigator will assist you in making all follow-up appointments as needed.

Although there has been a decline in the rate of deaths from breast cancer in recent years, it is still the second leading cause of death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Studies have shown that, when detected early, the chance for successful treatment of breast cancer is nearly 100%. Some physicians also recommend a monthly breast self exam for all women beginning at the age of 20, following proper training by a healthcare professional. If you have any questions about screening mammograms or are interested in our Women’s Health Services speaking to your group, please call Heather Shelby, RN at (850)415-8119.