(THE DALLES, Ore. – Oct. 12, 2021) — In honor of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, Mid-Columbia Medical Center is encouraging women to learn
more about breast health, including knowing the risk factors for breast
cancer and what you can do to protect yourself.
“Breast health isn’t something people talk much about, but
it is such an important part of a woman’s overall health and wellness,”
said Kerry Proctor, M.D., a Pathologist at the Breast Center at MCMC.
“Especially as you get older, as your risk increases with age. But
the fact is that breast cancer can affect anyone -- women or men –
at any age.”
There are risk factors for breast cancer people are born with: being female,
getting older (most breast cancers are found in women 55 and older), family
history, inheriting certain genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA 1), and having dense
breast tissue. But there are also lifestyle factors, and those are things
that individuals have more control over, such as being overweight, being
inactive, drinking alcohol. To reduce risk, maintain a healthy weight,
get regular physical activity and limit alcohol use.
“Screening for breast cancer is so important, because early detection
means more treatment options and a better chance of survival,” said
Dr. Proctor.
Signs, Symptoms and Self-Exams
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump, swelling, nipple pain,
nipple discharge, or dry, red skin on the breast. “We encourage
all women of all ages to perform monthly
self-breast exams, this will help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts look and
feel,” said Didi Abbas, RT (M) (BS) (ARRT), of MCMC Mammography
services. “Call your doctor if you detect a change in appearance
or a suspicious lump.”
3D Mammography
When women turn 40, it is recommended to begin getting annual mammograms.
MCMC offers the most advanced technology for detecting breast cancer.
Known as digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, this technique
takes images from several different angles to create a three-dimensional
picture of the breast. The images are converted into a stack of very thin
layers, or “slices,” allowing a radiologist to evaluate the
breast layer by layer. This greater accuracy means better breast cancer
detection and a reduced chance of being called back for additional testing.
A number of studies have found that 3D mammograms increase detection of
invasive breast cancer by 30-40% compared to traditional mammography,
while also reducing the number of false positives. With this technology,
radiologists and physicians can better detect possible abnormalities in
the breast at an early stage when they’re easier to treat.
If it is time for your mammogram, call 541-298-4000 to schedule an appointment.
Since 2009, The Breast Center at MCMC has been continuously accredited
by the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program
for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and is the only NAPBC- accredited breast center
in the Gorge. Accreditation ensures Gorge patients have access to the
highest quality breast care without having to leave their hometown.
The Breast Center at MCMC provides important resources for women along
the entire health spectrum. By integrating screening, early diagnosis,
patient advocacy and treatment, the breast center covers all breast health
needs. Accreditation is only granted to breast centers that provide comprehensive,
compassionate care. MCMC was the first hospital in Oregon, and today is
one of only six in the state, to earn accreditation.
Founded in 1901, Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a nationally recognized
hospital dedicated to serving residents of The Dalles and its surrounding
communities. In 1992, MCMC became the first hospital in the nation to
integrate the Planetree philosophy of patient care, which emphasizes the
need to address a person’s intellectual, environmental, emotional
and spiritual concerns in addition to their physical needs. As a Planetree-affiliated
hospital, MCMC works to provide a caring, nurturing and educational environment;
puts great efforts into humanizing and demystifying the medical experience;
and strives to empower people to become active partners in their own healthcare.
For more information visit
mcmc.net.