[ad_1]
For many women, the combination of a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam is each year their best tool for early diagnosis and survival of breast cancer. For many, new advances in breast cancer screening can provide additional layers of detection that can help save lives.
Over the past 10 years, Floyd's Breast Center has continued to explore and invest in new technologies. Breast MRI, 3D mammography and genetic testing are examples of the newest technologies available at Floyd's Breast Center.
"Screening for breast cancer is an ever-changing process," said Aimee Griffin, director of Floyd's Breast Center. "There is a lot of research and development on how best to detect this disease in women, and we feel it is our responsibility to North West Georgia to stay informed and provide access to these. improved test options.
"For example, 3D mammography is very useful if a woman has very dense breast tissue," Griffin added. "A routine mammogram has long been the most effective screening option for women, but the 3D screening option has dramatically improved our ability to detect very small cancers, even in very dense tissues. "
Understanding personal and family risk factors is also an essential tool for improving breast cancer screening. The Breast Center at Floyd's Breast Health Clinic specializes in risk assessment and helping patients design the best screening program based on their personal risk factors. Nurse Practitioners Karen Craig, LaDonna Holcomb, Joy McGee, and Alisha Green work with women (and some men) whose risk of breast cancer over the life course is medium to very high risk. For high-risk patients, the addition of additional screening tools, such as breast MRI, to their annual mammograms can help improve detection.
Genetics may also play a role in breast cancer risks and Floyd's Breast Center nurse practitioner team has been specifically trained in clinical cancer genetics by City of Hope, a leader national cancer research and genetics.
"Women and men need to know if there is a family history of breast cancer, but also other types of cancer," Griffin said. "If you or your family has a hereditary genetic risk, better understanding what you do can help you take steps to reduce your risk and improve your cancer screening strategies, and the genetics of cancer has progressed well beyond risk of breast cancer. Tests are now available to help individuals understand the risk of many types of cancer. "
You should consider counseling and genetic testing if you OR your family history include any of the following:
♦ Breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
♦ Prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
♦ Colon or uterine cancer at age 50 or younger
♦ Three or more close relatives on the same side of the family with a combination of breast cancer and prostate cancer
♦ Three or more close relatives on the same side of the family with cancer of the colon or uterus
Genetic testing is done most often with the help of a salivary swab. In some cases, blood must be collected.
Floyd's Breast Center also promises "Know in 24", which provides mammogram results within 24 hours.
For more information or to make an appointment with a nurse practitioner, call the Floyd Breast Center at 706-509-6840.
[ad_2]
Source link
