Breast Cancer Screening Santa Fe

Breast Cancer Screening Santa Fe There are a variety of options for breast cancer screening in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Some options include:

• The Breast Cancer Screening Program at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center: This program offers mammography, breast ultrasound, and other diagnostic services for women who may be at high risk for breast cancer.

• The Breast Care Center at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center: This center offers a full range of breast cancer screening services, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and biopsy. They also offer genetic counseling and testing for women who may be at high risk for breast cancer.

• The New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: This program provides mammograms, breast exams, and pap tests to low-income and uninsured women in New Mexico.

It is recommend to consult with your primary care physician or your OB/GYN to determine the best screening schedule and method for you. Also they will help you to know if you are eligible for these programs.

Keep in mind that breast cancer screening is an important way to detect the disease early, when it is most treatable. It's recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 74 get a mammogram every two years, but women who have a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening at an earlier age or be screened more frequently.

It's also important to be familiar with your own body and to report any changes or abnormalities to your healthcare provider. Regular self-exams and clinical exams can also help detect breast cancer early.

Breast cancer screening in Santa Fe refers to the various methods used to detect breast cancer in women who do not have any symptoms of the disease. The goal of breast cancer screening is to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. The main methods of breast cancer screening are mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI.

Mammography is a low-dose X-ray that produces detailed images of the inside of the breast. A mammogram can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt by a woman or her healthcare provider.

Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the breast. It can help to determine whether a breast lump is solid or filled with fluid.

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of the breast. It is usually used as a follow-up test for women who have been found to have an abnormal mammogram or a lump that is suspicious for cancer.

It is important to note that breast cancer screening is not a diagnostic test and it does not determine if a woman has cancer or not, instead it indicates if there is something suspicious and further tests may be needed.

The recommendation for breast cancer screening can vary depending on individual's risk factors, your doctor will be able to help you determine when to start screening, how often to have it, and the best method for you.

There are a few ways to get breast cancer screening in Santa Fe:

1. Talk to your primary care physician or OB/GYN: Your doctor can help you determine the best screening schedule and method for you, and can also refer you to a specialist if needed.

2. Contact one of the Breast Cancer Screening Programs: Programs such as The Breast Cancer Screening Program at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center or The Breast Care Center at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center offer breast cancer screening services.

3. Contact the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: This program provides mammograms, breast exams, and pap tests to low-income and uninsured women in New Mexico.

4. Search for breast cancer screening centers in Santa Fe: Some centers are part of hospitals or clinics, others are stand alone centers or mobile clinics, you can search for these by doing a web search, or checking local resources such as newspapers, magazines or community bulletin boards.

It's important to note that many insurance plans will cover the cost of breast cancer screening, but it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what's covered under your plan. If you don't have insurance or you're having trouble affording the cost of screening, there may be financial assistance programs available to help.

It's also important to note that some organizations like Komen Santa Fe, may have events or program to increase the accessibility for breast cancer screenings for all population.

As a general reminder, it's recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 74 get a mammogram every two years, but women who have a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening at an earlier age or be screened more frequently. It's always best to consult with your doctor to determine what's best for you.

The process for breast cancer screening in Santa Fe will depend on the method that is used, but in general, the process will involve the following steps:

1. Scheduling an appointment: You can make an appointment with a healthcare provider, a breast cancer screening program, or a breast cancer screening center.

2. Preparing for the test: Depending on the method used, you may need to prepare for the test in different ways. For example, if you are having a mammogram, you may be asked to avoid using deodorant or lotion on the day of the test, as these can show up on the X-ray images.

3. Undergoing the test: During the test, you will typically be asked to undress from the waist up, and a technologist will position your breast on a plate and then press it with a paddle to flatten it and spread out the tissue. The technologist will take several images of each breast. The test is usually not painful, but some discomfort may be caused by the pressure of the paddle.

4. Getting the results: After the test, the images will be reviewed by a radiologist, a doctor who is specially trained to interpret medical images. They will look for any signs of cancer, and will report their findings to your healthcare provider.

If the test result is normal, you will typically be scheduled for follow-up screening in one or two years, depending on the method used. If the test result is abnormal, you may need to undergo further testing, such as a breast ultrasound or a biopsy.

It's important to keep in mind that breast cancer screening is not a diagnostic test and it does not determine if a woman has cancer or not, instead it indicates if there is something suspicious and further tests may be needed. It's always recommended to talk to your doctor about the results of your screening and the next steps if needed.

In conclusion, breast cancer screening is an important way to detect the disease early, when it is most treatable. There are several options for breast cancer screening in Santa Fe, including the Breast Cancer Screening Program at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, The Breast Care Center at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center and the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

It's recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 74 get a mammogram every two years, but women who have a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening at an earlier age or be screened more frequently. It's important to consult with your primary care physician or your OB/GYN to determine the best screening schedule and method for you.

It's also important to be familiar with your own body and to report any changes or abnormalities to your healthcare provider. Regular self-exams and clinical exams can also help detect breast cancer early.

It's essential to remember that breast cancer screening is not a diagnostic test, it only helps to identify something suspicious. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns and possible next steps if needed.