POTSDAM -- During October when you think of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, think of scheduling your mammogram as well. Early detection is a key factor in keeping you healthy. Canton-Potsdam Hospital …
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POTSDAM -- During October when you think of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, think of scheduling your mammogram as well. Early detection is a key factor in keeping you healthy.
Canton-Potsdam Hospital Lead Mammography Technologist Patricia Decosse, RT (R)(M) CN-BI, pointed out that annual screenings are very important because the radiologist is looking for small changes in the breast from the previous screening. Early detection may make the difference in being able to address the cancer before it becomes larger and more difficult to treat.
Mammography testing has continued to improve over the years, and while more people are getting tested, Ms. Decosse noted some individuals still have misconceptions about the process.
The number one risk factor for developing breast cancer is being female. The number two risk factor is age; with the risk increasing as you age. Ms. Decosse reported that from age 30 to 39 the risk is one in 228, or .44% of a woman developing breast cancer. That number jumps to one in 29, or just under 3.5%, by the time a woman is in her sixties.
While women are most at risk for breast cancer, men do have breast tissue and make up 1% of all breast cancer patients.
As COVID-19 continues to affect our Nation, Ms. Decosse stressed that patients should feel safe when turning to St. Lawrence Health for imaging services and all their health care needs.
St. Lawrence Health offers 2D and 3D mammography at all four of its locations: Canton-Potsdam Hospital, EJ Noble Building in Canton, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital. Mammograms are not free, but New York State has a Cancer Services Program for uninsured and underinsured individuals and provides breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening at no cost to those who qualify. To connect with the Cancer Services Program, call 855.592.0830.
For information on St. Lawrence Health’s mammography and imaging services, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/services/imaging-x-rays-mammography.