1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Over half of those women have no family history.
Today, breast cancer is claiming less lives. There are three reasons for this:
- Advancement in breast cancer treatments. Through emerging research and clinical trials, patients with early breast cancer have more options than ever before. New drugs, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted treatments are being studied for possible integration into standard care.
- Earlier detection through breast screening. Annual screenings are the number one defense against breast cancer. With advancements in technology like 3D mammography, your Radiologist can detect breast cancer cells at the pre-cancer stage.
- Increased awareness about breast cancer. Advocates and supporters in the fight against breast cancer are a diverse community ranging from medical experts, celebrities, athletes, and politicians. Awareness has resulted in educated patients, increased screening, funding for research, participation in clinical trials, and resources for services.
“Since we started implementing screening mammograms in the 1990s, breast cancer mortality has been reduced by over 30%,” explained Dr. Natalie Chan, Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Radiologist at Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg (MIF) Annual exams are literally saving lives.
Facts about annual mammograms:
- 40 is the recommended age for screening, earlier for patients with a family history
- Covered by all insurances
- MIF offers discounts for those who are self-pay
“For me, breast Cancer hits close to home. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early thirties and my grandmother was a breast cancer survivor,” shared Dr. Chan.
Screening can detect pre-cancer.
Monae Waller, Technologist Assistant, will never forget when she realized just how important it is to stay up-to-date with screenings. She was in with a patient at the Imaging Center and heard the doctor say, “We caught it at Stage 0. It’s pre-cancer.”
Detecting cancerous cell growth before it becomes invasive can be the difference between life and death. Emily Jones, Mammography Technologist, shared “We can’t emphasize enough that the earlier you come, the less likely you’re going to have a cancer that’s metastasized throughout the body.”
Learn about our Imaging Centers, Just for Women.
In order to provide the very best experience for women during their annual screening appointments, MIF has designed and opened an Imaging Center for Women in two locations: Fredericksburg and North Stafford. These state-of-the-art facilities provide a private, welcoming atmosphere where our staff is professional, compassionate, and attentive. With complimentary snacks and beverages, warm blankets, comfortable chairs, and enjoyable TV shows, patients enjoy many of the comforts of home. We look forward to making your mammogram screening appointment a pleasant one. Call the Imaging Center for Women in Fredericksburg at 540-741-3250 or the Imaging Center for Women at North Stafford 540-657-9729 to schedule your annual screening today.
