A pink ribbon reminder: Get regular mammograms
Buffalo, Minn. 10/16/2007--The top two risk factors for getting breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams are the best ways to detect breast cancer early.
"It's important for women to have their initial screening mammogram at or before the age of forty. Though the likelihood of abnormality being detected is low, the study can serve as a reference baseline for future comparison," says Daniel Frenning, MD, oncologist at Allina Medical Clinic - Buffalo and Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
If breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the five year survival rate can be as high as 93 percent. Routine mammograms can be a woman's best bet to detect and treat the disease early. That's the message you'll hear throughout October in Minnesota, as thousands of people don pink ribbons in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Buffalo Hospital is accredited by the American College of Radiology, assuring patients the best care.
"This accreditation affirms that we're meeting the highest standards in quality of care in mammography screening," said Rose Voigt, manager of the Imaging Department at Buffalo Hospital.
"We recommend that all women follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines of having a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 – 40 and yearly after that," said Voigt. "Women with a history of breast cancer should consult with their physician regarding more frequent and earlier exams."
Women who meet American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines and have low incomes, no insurance or are underinsured may be eligible for free or low cost mammograms. For more information or to schedule a mammogram, call 763-684-7550.
About Buffalo Hospital
Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Information about Buffalo Hospital's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.buffalohospital.org .
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