October is nearly upon us, which means Breast Cancer Awareness Month is practically here. As the nation gears up for the annual month-long awareness campaign, Heart of Texas Healthcare System (HTHS) joins the conversation in McCulloch County and surrounding communities.
“There is no time like the present to have valuable health-related discussions and stress the importance of mammograms and other breast cancer screening methods,” explains Jo Kitsmiller, PA-C, at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “I highly recommend that you talk with your primary medical provider about your risks for developing breast cancer and a screening schedule that is right for you.”
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from breast tissue. Aside from early detection through mammograms, the first noticeable symptom is typically a lump seen or felt in or around the breast.
In 2021 alone, it is estimated that 20,900 women in Texas will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Upwards of 3,400 women in the state are expected to die because of the disease.
In an era where COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines and health conversations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is crucial to know that people who are currently diagnosed with cancer, including breast cancer, have a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19.
Some breast cancer treatments — including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy — can weaken the immune system. Individuals with weakened immune systems or lung problems have a much higher risk of serious complications if they become infected with this virus.
The one COVID-19 vaccine currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the two vaccines authorized for emergency use by the CDC is considered safe and effective for people with cancer and a history of cancer in most cases.
“The best measure to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19 is getting vaccinated,” Kitsmiller says. “Those who are still on the fence about getting vaccinated should talk with their primary medical provider for the best recommendation based on your health status and medical history.”
When it comes to detecting breast cancer, self-exams are important for women in their 20s and 30s. More than 40 percent of breast cancer diagnoses begin when a woman detects a lump. Women are encouraged to perform a self-exam once a month to detect issues early.
The American Cancer Society recommends women between the ages of 40 and 44 should have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram annually. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or maintain an annual screening.
In McCulloch County, breast cancer screening is convenient. HTHS has a 3D digital mammography unit, which provides highly detailed imaging while using less radiation. The mammography equipment, which was updated just a couple of years ago, causes less discomfort and can produce more detailed images than older generation screening equipment.
Digital mammograms are processed using advanced computer-imaging technology. The result is high-resolution images that can reveal much more detailed x-ray images of the breast than older, 2D mammograms.
“We are very fortunate to have 3D mammography screening available here in Brady,” Kitsmiller says. “Many rural communities either do not have access to local mammograms or are eliminating the service for various reasons.”
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans cover all or part of breast cancer screenings. Women are urged to check with their medical insurance providers to learn more about coverage, but they should not delay having these essential screenings.
For more information about mammograms and other cancer screenings, talk with your primary care provider or visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers many medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.