Mammography
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow in a harmful way and form lumps called tumors. Some tumors are not dangerous, but others are cancer and can spread to other parts of the body. Getting regular check-ups or screenings can help find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Early detection can help protect your health and your life — for you, your family, and your community.
People should get familiar with their breast tissue by learning how they look and feel. Do monthly self-exams. This can help you notice any changes in your breast tissue. These changes can include lumps, pain, tissue discoloration or texture changes, and size. If you have any concerns about your breast tissue, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Imaging
Screening services will be available by appointment only and are designed exclusively for routine screenings — diagnostic imaging is not currently offered. We hope this new service will help empower our women in taking care of their health by adding vital breast cancer screenings close to home. Mammograms will be performed using the Hologic 3D mammography system, known for its accuracy, comfort, and early detection capabilities. All imaging will be read by our trusted partners at Inland Imaging, ensuring professional reporting and timely results.
A screening mammogram is a routine image of the breast, typically performed annually for women without symptoms or prior concerns.
A diagnostic mammogram is a more detailed image used to evaluate a specific area of concern, often after a screening mammogram or when symptoms are present. Diagnostic mammograms provide more detailed images of a specific area, while screening mammograms provide a broader overview. Diagnostic mammograms may involve more views and additional techniques to examine the area of concern.
Screening Recommendations
- Tests: Self-exam, clinical breast exam, mammography and MRI
- Age and Frequency: 40 – 49, bi-annual | 50 – 75+, annual
- Screening intervals may vary depending on risk factors and should be discussed with your provider.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
Hologic Genius® 3D Mammography™ Machine
Known for its accuracy, speed, comfort, and early detection capabilities. 3D mammograms have been shown to find up to 65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D alone. This is the fastest scan available and the only FDA-approved machine for women with dense breasts!
Learn more about the machine here!
Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native women.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Native American women.
Early detection through regular mammography can improve survival rates from breast cancer by up to 40%.
Native American women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer, 7% more likely to get breast cancer, and 10% more likely to die from it than non-Hispanic white women.
Native American men are at a slightly higher risk compared to white men. The lifetime risk of a U.S. man developing breast cancer is about 1 in 726. Men should do frequent self-checks.
