October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services reminds our community how critical it is that women do not delay their screenings. Breast Cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women; about 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a 62% decrease in screenings in America, which is estimated to result in 10,000 additional deaths. Finding breast cancer early and getting high-quality cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is a critically important part of finding breast cancer early.
Everyone should know how to detect early signs and symptoms of breast cancer by performing self-breast exams on a routine basis. If you do notice any sudden lumps, bumps, changes in the appearance of your breasts/nipples, clear or bloody discharge, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Dr. Denise Hanisch, MD from the Viborg Medical Clinic stated: “However, it’s also important to note that many women with breast cancer don’t exhibit any symptoms at all, and regular screenings should remain an important part of any individual’s healthcare routine. If you are a woman age 40 years of age or older, you should get a screening mammogram yearly. These screenings can help detect early changes in breast health.”
Pioneer Memorial Hospital partners with the Sanford Breast Health Institute to receive digital mammogram imaging services at our facility in Viborg. With low-dose X-rays, the trained mammography technologists capture images that detect lumps, changes in tissue or calcifications too small to be found by physical exam. Each mammogram is read by a radiologist who provides results to patients and referring physicians.
For more information, visit our website at www.pioneermemorial.org or call 605-326-5161 to schedule your next mammogram screening pointment.