Breast Center ResourcesRedefining breast care
Don’t let the recent buzz fool you. Mammograms always have been an important life-saving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today.

All women at age 40 should have a mammogram as recommended by the American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and American Society of Breast Surgeons. In fact, women ages 40-49 are equally likely to get cancer as women ages 60-69. (St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center screening studies data, 1/1/09-12/31/09).

Every major medical organization with demonstrated expertise in breast cancer care (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Breast Disease and Society of Breast Imaging), recommends that all women have yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. A recent analysis by Hendrick and Helvie, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, showed that if the United States Preventative Services Task Force breast cancer screening guidelines were followed - which recommended mammograms starting at age 50 - approximately 6,500 additional women would die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year. (A press release from the American College of Radiology on 6/ 20/12).

“Breast care” may not be a familiar term until something happens to you or a loved one. When a concern arises, St. Cloud Hospital Breast Center has the dedicated staff and technology to best care for you — we’re redefining breast care.

• Best technology – digital mammography, breast ultrasound with elastography, breast MRI and BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging). We have the best technology that’s available in the nation to screen for, diagnose and treat breast cancer.
• Best turnaround time – we know that waiting for answers is not the answer. If your screening mammogram shows something that needs a further look and you need to come back for a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll have results the same day.
• Best care – we see 300 new breast cancers each year. The care of these patients is based on scientific evidence and collaboration between physician specialties.
• Best staff – our team specializes in breast health and all technologists must be breast certified. When needed, a breast cancer care coordinator manages care from a cancer diagnosis through surgery and treatment.

You can be assured you’re getting the very best. It’s all we do, every day. We’re redefining breast care …for you. Call (320) 229-4919 to schedule a screening mammogram, no doctor is needed.

I can’t afford a mammogram. What should I do? Take advantage of Minnesota’s free mammogram program called SAGE. You can take part in this free mammogram program if:

• You are a woman age 40 or over, and
• You have no health insurance, or
• You have health insurance but have a co-payment or an unmet deductible, and/or
• Your health insurance does not cover Pap tests and/or mammograms, and
• Your gross household income does not exceed the guidelines below.
  
  

If you have Medicare or Medical Assistance with a spend down, you may still be eligible.

Visit the Minnesota Dept. of Health web site to learn more about the Sage Program

What to look for when scheduling your mammogramWhen it comes to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Here are a few things to look for:

• Do they have the best technology? Digital mammography assures the best image for accurate results. Additionally, ask if they have access to the following for additional diagnostic work ups, should it be needed: breast ultrasound with elastography, breast MRI and BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging).
• How soon will you have results? Waiting for answers is not the answer. If your screening mammogram shows something that needs a further look (a diagnostic mammogram), how soon will you have results? The same day is ideal and will keep your worrying to a minimum.
• Does the center work with doctors in other specialties? A team approach amongst surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, your health care provider, etc. is essential for the best care.
• Is the facility connected to your clinic by means of electronic medical record? This is important so they can see your full medical record.
• Is the staff of the center breast certified? Do they specialize in breast procedures or do they image various areas of the body?
• Is there a breast cancer care coordinator on site? Should you need additional work up, this person is key in helping you maneuver the procedures and lingo.

Preparing for your mammogram Leave some of the anxiety behind by learning how to prepare for a mammogram.

• Your doctor will help you determine at what age to start getting mammograms and what schedule to keep as you age. Please ask him/her if the issue is not addressed at your appointment.
• Schedule your mammogram the week following your period when the breasts are least tender.
• Bring previous films, especially if they were performed at a different facility. This allows the radiologist to compare results.
• If mammograms are painful for you, take one or two tablets of ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour before your appointment.
• Wear a two piece outfit, that way you’ll only have to remove your top.
• Do not use deodorant, powder or skin lotion. These products can appear on the x-ray and cause undue alarm.
• Eat or drink before your appointment but reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages and chocolate three to four days before your appointment.
• Take prescribed medications on the day of your mammogram, unless your physician instructs you otherwise. Inform the technologist performing the mammogram of any medications you are taking, including the dosage.
• If you have trouble hearing or understanding instructions or need assistance, inform the person when you are scheduling your procedure.
  

Helpful Resources
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
American College of Radiology
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Regional Diagnostic Radiology
National Lymphedema Network