Aspire

HELP CATCH CANCERS AT AN EARLIER STAGE

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women with early detection being the key to improved prognosis and survival. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an undisputable tool to assist with breast health. In conjunction with ultrasound and mammography, MRI aids in the detection of high-risk patients to help catch cancers at an earlier stage. MRI is also the most sensitive technology to date to be able to detect abnormalities sooner.

HIGH-QUALITY EXAM LOCALLY

“By adding breast MRI to our imaging services including digital mammography, ultrasound, sentinel node imaging, and stereotactic biopsy, Grant Regional Health Center has added the next step in the high standard of breast care we strive to provide,” says Ashley Thalacker, Radiology Manager. “This allows any patient, who in the past had to travel out of town, to get the same high-quality exam locally.”

GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST MRI

Breast MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to make detailed pictures of the breast and surrounding lymph nodes, to look for abnormalities and determine whether a lesion is benign or cancerous. With the breast MRI coil, breast cancer that is difficult to see on dense breast tissue can be much better evaluated by our radiologists. Someone who is known to be at higher risk for breast cancer is a good candidate for a breast MRI, along with younger patients who would fall outside of the normal guidelines for mammography.

SENSE OF WELL-BEING

“While mammography is still the gold standard for screening purposes, breast MRI can help by giving our Radiologists and surgeon more information by taking hundreds of images in different views. This allows us to see things on the MRI study, that may be difficult to be seen on mammography or ultrasound,” explains Ashley.

“MRI requires a referral from your doctor and prior authorization from your insurance. It is a 30-to-40-minute scan time. It is different than a mammogram, in that the patient lies on their stomach instead of standing and they get to listen to music during their exam. By providing breast MRIs at GRHC, we can give our patients a sense of well-being and put them at ease because we are able to accommodate and get the patient in for the scan much sooner than other hospitals.”

Grant Regional is proud to be the first hospital in Grant County to offer breast MRI. We’re grateful for the community support and funds raised to offer this important advancement.

Breast MRI is Recommended for High Risk Patients

Breast MRI is recommended for women who are at a greater than 20 lifetime risk for breast cancer, and may be an option for women with 15% or greater lifetime risk. Breast MRI is the most sensitive test to detect early breast cancer in high risk women. Breast MRI may detect cancers that are not visible by mammography (including 3D mammography) and ultrasound.

Increased risk factors include:

• Genetic indications
• Strong family history
• History of radiation
• Personal risk (for example: breast cancer at young age, atypia or dense breast tissue).

Categories: Breast Cancer,MRI,Cancer Screening