Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. With early detection, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. Regular screenings play a crucial role in identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before any symptoms appear.
Maury Regional Health is committed to providing comprehensive breast cancer screenings for southern Middle Tennessee to help women have the best chance for early detection and effective treatment.
“Early detection is the key to fighting breast cancer,” said Kelsey King-Hook, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Maury Regional Medical Group Primary Care in Columbia. “When breast cancer is caught early, patients have a far greater range of treatment options and a much higher chance of a positive outcome.”
Routine screenings are recommended for women beginning at age 40 and completed on an annual basis. Those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Your health care provider can help determine the best time to begin screenings based on your personal risk factors and family history.
Screening and diagnosing
There are several methods used to screen for breast cancer at Maury Regional Health:
- Mammogram: The most common and effective screening tool is the mammogram. This test uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast and can detect abnormalities that are undetectable by feel during a physical exam. At many Maury Regional locations, Genius™ 3D mammography is available. These exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancer when compared to conventional 2D mammography.
- Breast ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissues and can help further evaluate areas of concern detected on a mammogram or be useful for women with dense breast tissue. Ultrasound assists in determining if an abnormality is a solid, such as a tumor (benign or cancerous) or fluid-filled, such as a cyst.
- Breast biopsy: If a lump is discovered and confirmed with a diagnostic mammogram, the next course of action recommended by your physician will most likely be a breast biopsy. This is a procedure that is conducted to obtain a sample of the tissues in question to determine if its benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are a few ways to obtain tissue, which will be determined by your physician.
- Breast MRI: For women at a higher risk for breast cancer, your provider may recommend a breast MRI. This test uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the breast and can detect abnormalities in greater detail. MRI is not recommended as a replacement for screening mammograms.
If you do have a family history of breast cancer, you may be considered “high-risk.” This means you can be vigilant in monitoring your breast health, increasing the likelihood of detecting issues early. You may also benefit from genetic testing.
Take action toward your health
At Maury Regional Health, we encourage all women to take proactive steps in their health by scheduling regular breast cancer screenings. Early detection not only provides peace of mind, but it can save lives.
The Maury Regional Women’s Center in the Pavilion at Maury Regional Medical Center provides a convenient, private and pleasant environment for women’s health services. The Women’s Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
Maury Regional Women’s Center also holds accreditation for breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsies from the American College of Radiology, recognizing the center’s commitment to providing high-quality imaging and diagnostic services that meet or exceed national standards in radiology.
Maury Regional Health provides mammography services at locations throughout southern Middle Tennessee, including Maury Regional Women’s Center in Columbia, Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill.
To schedule a mammogram at any Maury Regional Health facility, call 931.380.4044. Learn more at MauryRegional.com/Breast-Health.