Experience the Latest in Breast Technology During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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By Sharon Galloway
CHI St. Luke’s Health – Sugar Land Hospital

When I was a young woman, I lost my mother to breast cancer. My mother was 49 years old when she was diagnosed and fought five courageous years before cancer took her life. So at an early age, I became very knowledgeable of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Back in the late 1980s, there was not digital mammography, stereotactic and other advanced diagnostic technology to detect the smallest abnormalities. Today, there is a whole new landscape in the early detection of breast cancer.

At 35 years old, I had my first mammogram, my base line, and after turning 40, I have faithfully received yearly mammograms. Being at a higher risk because of my mother having breast cancer and having a few suspicious findings on mammograms, I have also had breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs. I am one of the lucky ones, because all tests have been negative.

I am also lucky to have the latest in breast technology right at my fingertips. If needed, I can have a 3D digital mammogram, a breast ultrasound and a breast biopsy all at one time in one single visit. When choosing a facility to have mammograms or any other diagnostic imaging performed, it is important to know who is interpreting and/or administering the mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI, bone density scans or interventional radiology.

Find a place where everything needed to diagnosis breast cancer at its earliest stage is available, along with an impeccable imaging staff and added assurances that the radiologist is a board certified, fellowship trained breast radiologist. I am very fortunate to have all of these services available at my fingertips and to have the security that I am getting the latest in technology and the best care available at CHI St. Luke’s Health – Sugar Land Hospital. From the courteous staff and knowledgeable physicians to the efficiency of having tests performed, St. Luke’s delivers in all aspects of the experience.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and if you have not had your yearly mammogram, I urge you to schedule one now. Early detection is the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer.