'The most important factor in early detection of breast cancer for women at even average risk for breast cancer is to have a yearly mammogram with consistent comparisons of consecutive mammograms,' said Dr. Elliott, Founder of Montclair Breast Center.
Montclair, NJ (PRWEB) July 29, 2013
In June of 2013, actress Angelina Jolie announced that a genetic screening test revealed she carried a BRCA 1 genetic mutation that elevated her chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Her decision to undergo a double mastectomy created a storm of awareness and controversy about genetic testing and surgical procedures for breast cancer prevention.
Angelina Jolie’s condition is known as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and accounts for 5–10% of all breast cancer cases. But according to Montclair Breast Center Founder and Director, Dr. Nancy Elliott, there is much more to being aware and vigilant about breast health than this one issue of genetic testing. She says, “Genetic testing is critical for some women, but genetic mutations account for cancers in a very small population of women overall, so it is critical to become savvy about all risk factors for breast cancer. Women need to know their family medical history of cancers and other disease, understand how diet, weight and exercise can impact their risk factors and certainly learn more about genetic testing if it is indicated to be of value for them.”
To increase awareness of breast health and risk factors for breast cancer, Dr. Elliott has introduced a free Montclair Breast Center Risk Quiz, available online at http://www.montclairbreastcenter.com. Surprisingly, the risk quiz consists of just eight short questions and an easy point system for estimating risk for breast cancer from 0–10 (average risk), 11–19 (moderate risk), 20 & Over (high risk) to Over 30 (highest risk). While not represented as a scientific result, Dr. Elliott suggests that this easy and quick quiz is a practical first step in helping women become aware of risk factors for breast cancer and may help guide them in their quest for more information and awareness of breast health.
According to Dr. Elliott, the most important factor in early detection of breast cancer for women at even average risk for breast cancer is to have a yearly mammogram with consistent comparisons of consecutive mammograms. She points out that of all patients who began and continued their screening at Montclair Breast Center and were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, 95% were diagnosed at the most treatable Stages 0 or 1, while the national average for such early diagnosis in all women is just 60%.
Dr. Melissa Lee, Director of Breast Services and Clinical Breast Radiologist, points out that the diagnostic technology available at Montclair Breast Center has never been better, with the recent introduction of 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis).
Dr. Lee says, “The Selenia Dimensions 3D mammography system used at Montclair Breast Center offers exceptionally sharp breast images that provide the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlaying tissue.” During a 3D mammogram, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles and then used to produce a 3D reconstruction of the breast.
Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival and if detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.
To view, download or print the Montclair Breast Center Risk Quiz, visit http://www.montclairbreastcenter.com. If you would like to schedule a 3D mammogram or have questions about 3D mammography or determining your risk for breast cancer, call 973-509-1818.
About Montclair Breast Center: Montclair Breast Center is a premier multidisciplinary breast center located at 37 N. Fullerton Avenue in Montclair, NJ, specializing in proactive breast healthcare, risk-reduction techniques and the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Our nationally recognized, dedicated team of breast imagers and breast surgeons use the most sophisticated technologies and are committed to providing better breast care than anywhere. In 1998, Montclair Breast Center became an out-of-network breast center to provide care solely dictated by the needs of our patients, uncompromised by the restrictions and limitations imposed by managed healthcare corporations.
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