Community Connection: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Hali Bohmbach, MSRS R.T.(R)(CT)(M)

A woman in the US has a one in eight chance of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis throughout her lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common (non-skin) cancer diagnosed in women. With the addition of tomosynthesis, better known as 3D, there has been a 30-40% reduction in recall rates. For every 1,000 patients screened, 100 are recalled for additional, area specific, imaging. Of those 100, 81 are either called negative and return to annual screening or have a short-term follow-up in six months. The remaining 19 patients undergo a minimally invasive needle biopsy, five of which are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer incidence increases with age. One in five breast cancers occur in women 75 years of age and older. Many cancers in women older than 80 are slow growing and not likely to affect survival as there are other competing causes of death.  

Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is the standardization of mammography across the US that audits equipment, staff, and outcomes yearly. Our last MQSA inspection year ran July 1st , 2023, to June 30th, 2024, and we performed 388 screening mammograms, three of which resulted in positive cancer diagnoses. Beyond screenings, we performed an additional 95 diagnostic mammograms and 121 breast ultrasounds. Together, our exams resulted in six cancers diagnosed. These are real numbers from McKenzie Health and patients from our local and surrounding communities.  

Who is eligible for a mammogram? The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends women begin annual mammography screening at age 40 for average risk women. All women should evaluate their personal risk for breast cancer with their primary care physician (PCP) starting at age 25. Women deemed high risk should begin screening at an earlier age dependent on risk factors and discussion with PCP. High risk may include gene mutations, syndromes, personal or strong family history of breast cancer, high risk benign breast disease, or radiation to the chest wall between ages 10-30. Following these guidelines has proven to catch the most cancer in the least invasive stages. Cancers found in less invasive stages often require fewer invasive therapies and surgeries.  

We have a talented group of mammographers and sonographers here to care for you. Karlee Bailey is our lead mammographer who has been here 10 years. She grew up in Watford City and is a familiar face who so many patients know. I have been employed at McKenzie Health for four years and brought with me knowledge and experience from other mammography departments. Cassidy Eising has been here three years and is a wonderful addition to our mammography department. Our sonographers also come with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Lisa Samuelson is our lead sonographer who is also a local and has been caring for patients and performing ultrasounds here for 13 years. She proudly serves our community in a variety of areas. Jan Rose has been with McKenzie Health just over a year and we are proud to have her expertise. With 40 years of experience, she is a great asset to our team.  

While it is best practice to see your PCP for a yearly breast exam and for them to place an order for your annual screening mammogram, you can self-schedule and do not need an order to schedule if you are asymptomatic (no concerning changes). Symptomatic patients experiencing lumps, discharge, skin changes, etc. must see their provider first in order to have a clinical breast exam and the appropriate order placed. Call to schedule your mammogram today at 701-444-8800. It would be our pleasure to care for you.