Charlotte Radiology - On the Road to Increase Early Detection

Charlotte Radiology’s Mobile Breast Center hit the road in February 2011, bringing onsite digital mammography services to women across the region as the only mobile mammography center dedicated to Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, and York counties.

The colorfully designed pink-and-black mobile van has already trekked thousands of miles to reach women in the workplace and at community events, aiming to improve access and increase the number of women who get their annual mammograms.  The mobile unit, which extends the geographic footprint of available mammography services, also meets the needs of the underserved and uninsured through partnerships with local health departments and various organizations.

Steering women toward early detection
“We’ve been on the road almost non-stop and it’s making a difference,” said Shawna Platé, breast services marketing manager.  “Approximately 50 percent of the women getting mammograms at their place of work have never had a mammogram, and 25 percent are past due.”

The American Cancer Society recommends mammography every year beginning at age 40. Only 68% of women ages 40 and above have had a mammogram within the past two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Mecklenburg County has a reported breast cancer rate of more than 120 cases per 100,000 people, according to the National Cancer Institute - slightly higher than the national and state averages.
“Our research shows that convenience and access play a major role in whether or not women comply with annual screening guidelines,” said Charlotte Radiology President Van Moore, M.D., F.A.C.R. “By offering breast health expertise on wheels, we are making early breast cancer detection services more readily available to women, ultimately saving lives.”

Prevention on Wheels
The mobile center, a 38-foot long, state-of-the-art breast screening center on wheels, is staffed by two mammography certified technologists and includes a registration and waiting area, two private dressing rooms and an exam room.

The Charlotte Radiology mobile unit offers digital mammography exams, which improve exam quality, reduce radiation and shorten exam times. Each exam - completed in about 30 minutes - is interpreted by a board certified physician specializing in breast imaging.

Wheels in motion
Charlotte Radiology’s intent is to meet women where they work and congregate, encouraging them to begin and continue a screening routine.  Gearing up quickly, the mobile breast center team delivered mammography screening services to the front doors of 20 different organizations during the first few months of operation.

Meeting the needs of busy working women is a key goal, explains Cathleen Bates, assistant director of mammography services, Charlotte Radiology.  “Women have great intentions about taking care of their health, but often procrastinate because scheduling appointments during the work day is difficult for many.  We’ve had a tremendous response from corporations who place a high value on preventive care and employee wellness.”

When The Employers Association booked the mobile breast center, Laura Hampton, vice president of marketing, membership and training, knew the convenience factor would be a win-win situation for the employees and the company.  “We need our employees healthy and women tend to delay their mammograms.  Having the van onsite definitely encouraged more women to schedule screenings because it was so easy and required less time away from work.”

“Our employees raved about the quick and simple process,” said Benjamin Nice, Marketing Manager, GE Capital.  “And, from a leadership perspective, we were able to offer an important healthcare service at our site with very little effort on our part.  The mobile mammography team handled all the planning and details.”

As more companies adopt health wellness programs, employers value the ability to support the program goals in meaningful ways.

When Charlotte Radiology held an onsite screening day at Barloworld Handling, its employees benefitted in two ways.  Kimberli Lasyone, vice president of human resources, says the mobile van was a huge hit because it provided women with a convenient and potentially life-saving screening, while participation also counted as one of the four wellness initiatives each employee must complete to earn Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) dollars.

For more information visit www.charlotteradiology.com/mobilebc.

Meeting our community's breast health needs and saving lives is our top priority. We can now offer our breast health expertise on wheels. Charlotte Radiology's mobile breast center brings early breast cancer detection to you, providing women with a more convenient option for breast cancer screening, ultimately improving compliance. Patients will experience the same quality, compassionate care, expertise and comfortable atmosphere as in our breast centers. This includes digital mammography and female technologists certified in breast imaging. Digital mammography improves exam quality, reduces radiation and shortens exam time for patients. Most appointments take less than 30 minutes from check-in to completion. Each exam will be interpreted by a board certified physician specialized in breast imaging.

Watch this video clip to learn more about our mobile breast center.

Let's get to the bottom of this mystery called mammography. What is a mammogram, after all? Why do I need one? I don't have a family history. I just don't have enough time to take care of me. I hope that the following information will prompt you to finally schedule that baseline mammogram that your doctor's been badgering you about for a year now. Or remind you to finally schedule your annual mammogram exam that you've put off for months now.

So, what is a mammogram? Screening mammography is used to detect breast cancer in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms. Screening mammography is intended to detect breast cancer in the earliest stage possible when it is most treatable. Diagnostic mammography is performed when a woman has a breast lump or other symptoms (such as a pain or nipple discharge). A diagnostic mammogram may also be performed if your screening mammogram demonstrates a possible abnormality. Do not be alarmed - this is very common, especially for women getting their first mammogram.

Why is FORTY the magic number? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) all recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. In addition, many women obtain a baseline mammogram at age 35. The baseline is intended to give radiologists a point of comparison for breast tissue changes through the years.

As we age, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that between the ages of 40-49, a woman with an average risk of breast cancer (i.e. - no family history) has a 1.46 % chance of developing breast cancer. This percentage represents a significant rise compared with women aged 30-39, who have a 0.44% chance of developing breast cancer. This jump in the incidence of cancer after age 40 is one main reason why annual screening mammography is recommended at this age. Additionally, a woman's breast density typically decreases with age. This improves mammographic sensitivity and the detection of breast cancer with age. Regardless of age, women with a family history or experiencing a breast problem should contact their primary care physician for further evaluation.

I don't have a family history. MOST women who develop breast cancer have no family history. A woman's chance of developing breast cancer increases if a first degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and if any additional measures need to be considered.

The bottom line is annual mammograms help detect breast cancer early and improve the chances that it can be treated successfully. A mammogram can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

Don't skip! It is important to get mammograms on an annual basis - your mammogram images are like pieces of a puzzle - the radiologist uses these images to look for subtle changes that could be indicators of early stage breast cancer. Having prior films for comparison also reduces the chance that you are called back in for a diagnostic evaluation.

Additional Info

American Cancer Society Guidelines for early detection of breast cancer:
-Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
-Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health exam by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
-Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away. (can provide you with shower card PDF)
-As per American Cancer Society recommendations, women at high risk (20% or greater lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year beginning at age 30. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.

Charlotte Radiology's Guidelines/FAQ
www.charlotteradiology.com/procedure-details.cfm?proc_id=1

I'm a mom, wife, employee, daughter, boo-boo fixer, tantrum tamer, friend… And the list goes on. I don't have time for me and that's okay - I love my busy life as a mom. I'm sure you smarty moms can relate.

I am the breast health outreach manager at Charlotte Radiology, and I hope this will be the push you need to put "get my mammogram" back at the top of your to-do list. Why? Because mammograms matter. They matter because you're a mom, wife, daughter, boo-boo fixer, do-it-all, be-it-all WOMAN. And you and your health matter to the ones you love.

Despite the recent controversy over when to start annual mammography, the American Cancer Society and breast health experts across the world stand firm - 40 is the age to start an annual mammogram routine. It's a 30 minute appointment that could save your life. Mammography is the only proven way to find breast cancer early and save lives from this disease - a disease you can't just ignore or put off until you have time, because ladies, there's never enough time. So, us moms need to MAKE time.

And don't think you're off the hook because you're under 40. No ma'am. Smarty moms of all ages need to spread the word. This Mother's Day, tell all the moms in your life that mammograms matter.

1 in 8 women is affected by breast cancer, and 75% of those women have no family history. There's no reason to wait - visit beatcancerCR.com today to schedule your mammogram and send a reminder e-card to a loved one, or call to schedule at 704.367.2232.

The recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force report has left many women confused about when they should get their mammogram. This report suggested that women in their 40's may benefit less from mammography and that the risks might outweigh the benefits.

As breast imaging experts we fully support the American Cancer Society, and many other organizations, which advise annual screening mammograms starting at 40. Scientifically conducted clinical trials have proven that screening mammography has decreased mortality from breast cancer, including for women in their 40s. In addition, at Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers we screen women from 35 to over 80. Over 20% of the breast cancers we find from screening mammography are in women age 40-49. Early detection through mammography often gives women more treatment options with reduced surgery, better cosmetic outcomes, and may eliminate the need for harsh chemotherapy.

The Task Force used a computer model and a statistical analysis which included incomplete and outdated information to reach its conclusions. No new research was conducted and no breast cancer experts were involved. In contrast to the Task Force's findings, multiple clinical studies in the United States and abroad have proven significant benefit to women over 40 who get mammograms. This is why most physicians in the field stand firm in their recommendations in the best interest of women's health.
The downsides of screening mammography are minimal. About 10% of women get called back for a few additional views or an ultrasound - additional steps to prove that everything is fine. If a biopsy is needed, it's generally only a needle biopsy today, not surgery. Most biopsies are benign (not cancer). Radiation used for mammography is very low dose, and there is no evidence that this level of exposure causes harm. The amount of radiation is similar to the amount from an airplane flight of a few hours due to the thinner atmosphere - not something we typically worry about.

Here are additional some facts about screening mammography. Please click here for more detailed information.

• Screening Mammography is the major reason that U.S. breast cancer mortality has reduced by 30% since 1990. Similar mortality reduction has also been shown in many international clinical studies.
• 75-80% of women with breast cancer have NO family history.
• Breast Cancers detected in women under 50 are often more aggressive cancers - making early detection by annual screening mammography even more important.
• The two biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
• Mammography is a low-cost and safe tool for breast cancer screening, with the amount of radiation exposure comparable to flying across the country.
  

Matthew Gromet, J.D., M.D., F.A.C.R.
Chief of Mammography at Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers
Breast Imaging Specialist

MYTH: If you don't have family history, you won't get breast cancer. Most breast cancers occur in patients who do NOT have a family history. It is true that having a significant family history increases a woman's risk. A significant family history means you have two or more close family members (mother/father, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle) who have had breast cancer, and/or the breast cancer in the family members has been found before the age of 50. But ALL women are at risk, so it is important to follow the guidelines for early detection: annual mammography starting at age 40, along with annual physical exams by your doctor and monthly self breast exams. In fact, more than 80% of women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors. If you do have a significant family history, talk to your physician. The American Cancer Society now recommends annual Breast MRI, in addition to annual mammograms for women with a 20% or higher life-time risk of developing breast cancer.

So are you one of the thousands in Charlotte who saw a strange pink person roaming the Charlotte streets last week? Maybe you saw them in person, or on the news, or got a text picture from a friend. If you've seen these "1in8 Pink Ladies" or viewed the videos below, you may have some questions about what exactly is going on.

Charlotte Radiology is promoting early detection of breast cancer via 8 women in full body suits during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)! These 8 women are dressed in Root Suits, or body suits that cover you from head to toe - 7 women wearing pink and one woman wearing white. The Root Suits are faceless and bear a resemblance to the 1 in 8 logo used on all of our educational materials.

Once suited up, the 8 women make appearances around Charlotte, handing out the message:
"1 in 8 Women is affected by breast cancer. Win the fight with early detection!"

The back side of the message cards tells women how to make their mammogram appointment at Charlotte Radiology. So far we have gone to Dilworth Coffee, Ben & Jerry's, Trade & Tryon, and Race for the Cure.

Every year we want to spice October up a little bit more and I think we've done it again this year with our "1in8 Pink Ladies!" Let us know if you spot them and where! Stay tuned for more info on just WHO our Pink Ladies are…