BELLAIRE AND EAST JORDAN FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS OFFER NEW 3D MAMMOGRAPHY MACHINES
Early Detection of Breast Cancer is Key: Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers Offer New 3D Mammography Machines
Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers (EJFHC) are proud to announce the addition of two new 3D mammography machines. The new Hologic Selenia machines will replace their current 2D mammography machines and will be the first in the region to
offer Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams.
3D mammograms have been shown to detect breast cancer earlier than 2D mammograms, and they can also reduce the need for callback mammograms. This is especially important for women with dense breast tissue, as 3D mammograms can provide a clearer picture of the breast tissue.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, but it is highly curable when detected early. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer detected early is 98 percent.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women of average risk for breast cancer start screening for breast cancer between ages 40-44 and continue with screening yearly until the age of 55 years. At that time, they can transition to every other year screening. If a patient is high risk for breast cancer or has a family history of breast cancer, they should speak with their doctor about different screening recommendations.
EJFHC encourages all women to schedule regular mammograms and to learn how to do breast self-exams. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and breast self-exams are a simple and effective way to catch breast cancer early.
If you would like to schedule a Genius 3D Mammography™ exam, or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact the Bellaire or East Jordan Family Health Centers. For additional information on the services offered at EJFHC, including the new 3D mammography service, please visit www.ejfhc.org or follow “East Jordan Family Health Center” on Facebook.
Why is early detection of breast cancer so important?
Early detection of breast cancer is important because it allows for more effective treatment and a better chance of survival. When breast cancer is detected early, it is often smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This means that treatment can be more targeted and less invasive.
How can I get early detection of breast cancer?
The best way to get early detection of breast cancer is to have regular mammograms. Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breasts that can detect cancer before it can be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women of average risk for breast cancer start screening for breast cancer between ages 40-44 and continue with screening yearly until the age of 55 years. At that time, they can transition to every other year screening. If a patient is high risk for breast cancer or has a family history of breast cancer, they should speak with their doctor about different screening recommendations.
In addition to regular mammograms, women should also do monthly breast self-exams. Breast self-exams are a simple way to check for changes in your breasts that could be signs of cancer. To do a breast self-exam, lie on your back and raise your right arm over your head. Use the pads of your fingers to feel for any lumps or changes in the texture of your right breast. Then, repeat the process on your left breast.
As part of the expanded 3D mammography services, EJFHC is partnering with the Know Your Lemons Foundation to bring education and awareness to the importance of breast self-exams. Monthly breast self-exams are also important and can help fill the gap between your mammograms. We suggest downloading the free ‘Know Your lemons’ mobile app to learn how and when to self-exam. Remember, a breast self-exam is not a hunt for cancer, but it is a great way for you to learn what your ‘normal’ is. The partnership with the Know Your Lemons Foundation is an important step in EJFHC’s mission to educate and empower women about breast cancer.
EJFHC encourages you to download the Know Your Lemons mobile app and to learn how to do a breast self-exam. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and breast self-exams are a simple and effective way to catch breast cancer early. If you find any changes in your breasts, be sure to see your doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important to get checked out as soon as possible.
EJFHC is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. If you would like to schedule a Genius 3D Mammography™ exam, or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact the Bellaire or East Jordan Family Health Centers.
For additional information on the services offered at EJFHC, including the new 3D mammography service, please visit www.ejfhc.org or follow “East Jordan Family Health Center” on Facebook.
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Byline: Photo of the new Hologic 3D Mammogram Machine in Bellaire and East Jordan.
About East Jordan Family Health Center
East Jordan Family Health Center is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive health care services to people in Antrim and Charlevoix Counties. EJFHC is committed to providing high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
About Genius™ 3D Mammography™ Exams
The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis technology, the Hologic system creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast structure, which enables radiologists to more clearly see through overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an earlier stage.
The Hologic system is the first FDA-approved breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S. Hologic Genius 3D Mammography™ exams are now available in all 50 states and over 50 countries. To date, more than 8 million women have been screened with this advanced screening system.
About the Know Your Lemons Foundation
The Know Your Lemons Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2015 by breast cancer survivor, Dr. Linda Bacon. The foundation’s mission is to educate women about breast cancer and to empower them to take control of their health. The Know Your Lemons mobile app is a free, interactive tool that teaches women how to do a breast self-exam and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.