October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, or Pink Month as we call it, brought to you by our friends at UW Health!

Dr. Lacey Stelle, a UW Health breast surgeon, medical director of the breast program at UW Health here in Northern Illinois and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, will share her vast knowledge both on air and online to make sure you’re armed with the facts about breast cancer detection, prevention, treatment and more. Scroll down to check out our video series featuring Dr. Lacey Stelle sharing short bits of information that fit your busy lifestyle.

We’d also like to thank our Pink Power Partner, Les’ Cleaning Services, for helping to spread the breast cancer awareness all month long! 

EARLY DETECTION FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL

Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime? The good news is that when breast cancer is found early through screening, the chances for successful treatment are much higher and UW Health is there to help.

At UW Health, they offer 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis mammography services at four convenient locations. They offer 3D screening mammography and, if necessary, a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound.

And because they know you’re busy, same-day scheduling is available. UW Health offers online scheduling through MyChart! No need to pick up the phone, simply pull up MyChart and click on the link to schedule your annual mammogram.

WHAT IS DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS (3D Mammography)?

Digital breast tomosynthesis is a type of mammogram that allows radiologists to look at several thin-layer images of the breast instead of one single image, as in standard digital mammography. A 3D mammogram is taken in the same position as a standard digital mammogram, with about the same amount of time and radiation and compression of the breast. Studies have found that 3D mammography helps radiologists find more cancers than standard digital mammograms. A 3D mammogram also decreases the chance of having to come back for follow-up tests (false positive) such as another mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy. 3D/Tomo Mammography is available at all UW Health mammogram screening locations.

BREAST ULTRASOUND SCREENINGS

The UW Health breast program also offers automated whole breast ultrasound screenings for women with dense breast tissue.

Breast density refers to how much breast tissue a woman has. You can’t tell your density by size or touch. Most women have both fat and fibro glandular (working part of the breast) tissue in varying proportions. Mammography and X-ray exam will tell you about your density and tissue makeup. Your density category will be on the mammogram report that is sent to both you and your healthcare provider. You should discuss this category with them, along with your other risk factors for breast cancer, to decide if additional supplemental screening imaging (such as a whole breast ultrasound or breast MRI) is recommended.

Dense breast tissue is common and normal. Having dense breasts does not mean that you have cancer, but it may make cancer harder to find on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue may be one of the many factors associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The most important risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.

WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

For those with breast cancer, the UW Health breast program offers a team approach to treatment where physicians, nurses and other specialized staff discuss available options.

Their patients also benefit from the availability of a nurse navigator. Part educator, part personal assistant and part friend, nurse navigators provide a unique level of care to patients and their families. They sit in on patient consultations, expedite appointments and tests, help resolve insurance issues and let patients know what programs are available to them.

BREAST PROGRAM SCREENING LOCATIONS

UW Health 1340 Charles St Clinic Breast Health Center

1340 Charles St. #201
Rockford, IL 61104
(779) 696-7676

UW Health Belvidere Hospital

1625 S. State St
Belvidere, IL 61008
(779) 696-7676

UW Health Roscoe Clinic

4282 E. Rockton Rd.
Roscoe, IL 61073
(779) 696-9000

UW Health N Bell School Rd Medical Center

3505 N Bell School Rd.
Rockford, IL 61114
(779) 696-0300

For more information about mammogram screening locations, click HERE