Breast cancer imaging program expedites diagnostic process

 

 

HOUSTON – (June 30, 2009) – A Houston team has reduced what is often the most difficult part of breast cancer detection tests – waiting for the results, said a breast imaging specialist at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu).

 

“Early detection is the single most important way to increase a patient’s chance of survival,” said Dr. Emily Sedgwick, director of breast imaging in the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center (http://www.baylorclinic.com/services-specialties/bcancer/) at BCM. “Our process of gathering the diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy in one day decreases the patient’s wait time and anxiety. Hopefully, this will make them more likely to come in for their annual mammograms and detect their cancers earlier.”

 

Other breast imaging centers, Sedgwick said, may have patients set up separate appointments for each ‘test step,’ wait for results and then confirm whether they will move forward on to the next diagnostic procedure.

 

DO NOT DELAY MAMMOGRAMS OUT OF FEAR

 

Beginning at age 40, women should have a screening mammogram once a year, Sedgwick said. 

 

“Some women may put off their annual mammograms because they are scared of a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Sedgwick. “If we are able to detect the cancer early, when the breast tumor is small, a woman’s chance of survival significantly improves.”

 

By offering the mammogram and ultrasound results in one day, it may help reduce a patient’s fear of the diagnosis, Sedgwick said. 

 

Patients come in for routine mammogram screening and if additional mammogram or ultrasound images and biopsy are required, they are usually conducted in the same clinic on the same day, Sedgwick said.  

 

ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL SERVICES

 

Another advantage of the Breast Center imaging services (http://www.bcm.edu/breastcenter/?PMID=11080), is that the facility is “all digital,” Sedgwick said. 

 

“With digital mammography, studies have shown we are able to detect cancer more effectively in younger, premenopausal women who have dense breast tissue,” said Sedgwick. “Spotting cancer early in these women may otherwise be even more difficult.” 

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DIAGNOSIS? 

 

Additionally, imaging patients are cared for post-diagnosis, Sedgwick said. 

 

“We call our patients with the biopsy results.  If they do have breast cancer, we will notify the new patient oncology nurse to set up an appointment to see an oncologist.  They usually see an oncologist within a week of their cancer diagnoses,” said Sedgwick. “We are really committed to taking care of our patients and helping them through this complex process.”

 

Biopsy results can take up to five business days, Sedgwick said. 

 

The Smith Breast Center is a part of the NCI-designated Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center (http://www.bcm.edu/cancercenter/) at BCM. 

 

To set up a mammogram or general appointment, call 713-798-1999.