Carletta Collins

October is a colorful month of the year. Autumn colors are everywhere — orange, brown, green. But there is also a lot of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a very important month because breast cancer is the No. 1 cancer in women. It can affect women of all ages and often affects men. Fortunately, diagnosis and treatment have advanced in recent years so that 1) it is diagnosed earlier and 2) when treatment is required, it is more effective and with fewer side effects.

Screening is the first step in diagnosis of breast cancer. This is historically performed by mammograms and breast exams. Fortunately, our mammograms are far superior to ones in the past with the use of 3D machines, which are available widely across the Basin. Second, monthly self-breast exams are important. It may be strange at first, but once you start examining yourself regularly, you will notice if something is “different.” If you do note something different, contact your provider. The next recommendation for screening is to have at least an annual breast exam by your provider. This can be anyone, but it is helpful if it is consistent so that changes will be noted.

There are new recommendations for screening as well. These apply for people who have family history of malignancy — any type of malignancy, not just breast cancer. It was thought in the past that older age at diagnosis meant that there was no genetic component. This is not true. For example, if a patient had a grandmother diagnosed with breast cancer at age 96 and a mother with breast cancer at 80, he /she still qualifies for testing for genetically associated breast cancer. This is called hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Testing for this would evaluate if one had inherited a mutation that would increase risk of cancer. If so, there are recommendations for increased screenings so that cancers can be diagnosed earlier, and therefore, easier to treat typically.

Increased screenings can include breast MRIs in addition to mammograms, increased frequency of provider-based breast exams, increased frequency of colonoscopies, etc.

Fortunately, most of these services are available here at Powell Valley Healthcare. In radiology, we have 3D mammography and ultrasound. Biopsies can be performed by our radiologist, or local surgeons if needed. We are diligently trying to establish an MRI program. Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes is available at the oncology clinic. Breast exams are available through all providers.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PVHC will be offering free clinical breast exams on Thursdays at the women’s health clinic. Simply call 307-754-7770 to schedule an appointment. In addition, in the oncology clinic, free consultations will be held for screening for possible hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. These will help to determine if a patient qualifies for testing and to determine a patient’s individual risk and recommendations for screening based on those risks. These appointments will be available Oct. 19. If interested in a consultation, please call 307-754-1264 to see if you meet the criteria and to schedule an appointment.

(Carletta Collins, MD, works with Powell Valley Healthcare.)