|
 Your
breasts are always changing. They change during your
menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.
Along with these changes, problems can arise, and women
must always be aware that breast cancer can occur. There
are three screening exams for breast problems that you
and your health provider can do: mammograms, breast
self-exam and a healthcare provider's exam of the breast.
For best results, all three should be done regularly.
Mammography
Mercy mammography services are available for women ages
40 and over. The American Cancer Society recommends
a screening or baseline mammogram by the age of 40 and
annual mammograms after age 40. Mammography can typically
spot lesions one-fifth the size of those that can be
felt by self-examination or clinical breast exam by
a physician.
Breast MRI
The Mercy Breast MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
is a service available for women with unclear mammogram
results or with breast implants. Not all women are candidates
for Breast MRI, and it is not recommended as a routine
screening test. For certain women, it can be an important
diagnostic tool when used together with careful physical
examination of the breast, conventional mammography
and targeted ultrasound. Call (563) 589-9040 for information.
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