NE Missouri News

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of early detection and risk factors associated with breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 25% of women aged 50-74 have not undergone breast cancer screening in the past two years.

Northeast Regional Medical Center is offering appointments for 3D mammography throughout October and continuing through the rest of the year. The American College of Radiology recommends that women of average risk begin annual mammograms at age 40, though those with higher risk may need different guidelines.

Nancy Rourke, FNP-C, a member of Northeast Regional Medical Group’s medical staff, stated: “The first step is for women to review the guidelines for breast cancer screening, and understand if there are any factors such as a family history of breast cancer that puts them at higher risk. Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, a screening mammogram is one of the most important ways that women can take care of their health. The goal is to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is easier to treat and before a tumor is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”

In Missouri, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Nationally, there were 279,731 new cases reported in 2022.

Women who have strong family histories of breast cancer, are African American, or are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should undergo a risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they need earlier screenings. Rourke emphasized that many patients develop breast cancer without significant risk factors: “About half of all breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no risk factors other than being female and getting older,” said Rourke. “That is why creating awareness and educating women about the benefits of mammography is critical. This is a disease that has a 99% survival rate if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, which is why we urge all women to adhere to screening guidelines.”

Rourke also noted lifestyle choices that can help lower risk: maintaining healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol use, and avoiding smoking. Most health insurance plans cover screening mammograms every one to two years for women beginning at age 40 without out-of-pocket costs.

NRMC holds accreditation from the American College of Radiology as a Mammography Accredited Facility and has been recognized as a Pink Ribbon Facility for its commitment to supporting women's health in the community. The center provides 3D mammography services; according to acr.org, this technology improves detection rates compared to digital (2D) mammography and results in fewer callbacks for additional testing.

For more information on finding a doctor or scheduling an appointment for a mammogram at Northeast Regional Medical Center, visit https://www.nermc.com/find-a-doctor.