Mammography - catching it early is the best way to beat breast cancer

“Just do it,” urged Brenda Schmitz, director of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Bigfork Valley Hospital.

She was speaking about the importance of regular mammograms for women; recommended* every three years for women ages 20-40 and annually after 40 or if identified as “at risk.”

Mary Christensen, registered technologist,
with new, state-of-the-art equipment
at Bigfork Valley.

Why? Because if caught in early stages, breast cancer can be successfully overcome. According to A Handbook of Hope and Healing; Minnesota breast cancer resource 2003-2004, the five year survival rate is an encouraging 95 percent when the disease is confined to the breast.

Early detection is the key. Knowing this, Schmitz put acquiring a quality in-house mammography machine for the community at the top of her priorities. Bigfork Valley did offer mammograms through a mobile unit that came once every two weeks, but that did not provide the flexibility Schmitz and the hospital wanted.

Last summer Bigfork Valley purchased its own state-of-the-art LORAD M-IV Platinum system. The equipment provides an improved quality image with good contrast, explained Schmitz. In addition, it has design changes that allow the patient to be more comfortable during the procedure.

Along with new equipment, the facility and staff needed to be certified. Mary Christensen has become a registered technologist certified by the FDA to take mammograms, and the Imaging Department recently received a three year accreditation in mammography from the American College of Radiology for achievement of high practice standards.

Film processing is done in-house and read by radiologists from Arrowhead Consultation Service. If needed, a breast biopsy can also be done at the hospital to confirm a diagnosis.

What happens if there is a positive diagnosis? There are a tremendous number of resources available to women, said Schmitz. The Handbook of Hope and Healing lists resources that help cover the cost of the mammogram, treatment and associated costs; that provide support and information; and that are directed to special populations.

“You’re not alone, no matter what,” she explained.

* According to the Handbook of Health and Healing. The book is available for use in the Imaging Department.