3D mammograms at JRMC prove to a success

     October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Before the Monticello community turns pink on Oct. 17 in honor of those who fought breast cancer, the Monticello Express got an insider’s look into the latest and greatest technology and services available locally to those fighting breast cancer.

     Andrea Kelley, RT, with UnityPoint Health–Jones Regional Medical Center, is the one-woman show within the JRMC mammography center. (Kelley also works at St. Luke’s Breast & Bone Health.) Kelley’s who’s been with JRMC since July, sets her goals high when it comes to offering mammograms for JRMC patients.

     “I average 10 a day,” she said. “My hope is between 10 and 20 a day.”

     Mammograms are offered at JRMC five days a week, Monday through Friday. Kelley said usually patients come for a mammogram because their primary physician has referred them.

     “Typically it’s by appointment, and you need a physician’s order,” she said.

     In May 2017, JRMC got ahead of the game with the unveiling of its 3D Mammography Project. After a year and a half of raising the funds necessary to purchase the life-saving technology ($200,000), JRMC was ready to provide top-notch breast cancer services.

     “With 3D technology,” said Kelley, “you have 20 to 65 percent greater detection.”

     She explained the 3D mammograms are much like a CT scan, slicing the images of the breast to allow doctors to see through the dense layers of tissue to detect anything.

     “It’s a huge benefit,” she said.

     Cara Milder Forbes, RT, director of Imaging Services at JRMC, said 2,500 mammograms have been performed since May 2017. Of those, 2,030 involved the use of the 3D mammogram technology.

     “A patient can choose to utilize 3D technology or not as there is an additional charge that most, but not all, insurance companies cover,” said Forbes.

     JRMC has some programs in place to assist patients with the cost of having a mammogram, as well as other breast cancer-related services such as ultrasounds and biopsies.

     Kelley said when it comes to cancer patients, she encourages them to seek their continuum of care through JRMC, from their initial doctor’s appointment to a mammogram and beyond through other imaging services. She said it just makes it easier on the patient to drive locally to Anamosa rather than to doctors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or Dubuque.

     In fact, people from Maquoketa, Dubuque, and Central City are taking the time to drive to JRMC for their medical needs.

     Already JRMC’s 3D mammogram technology is proving to be successful and helpful. Kelley shared that they’ve been able to find irregular spots on a 3D image versus a 2D mammogram image.

     “Finding it early is critical,” she said of detecting cancer.

     Kelley said it’s recommended by the American Cancer Society to get your first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. After that, it’s recommended to get an annual mammogram.

     “We go by the ACS guidelines,” she said.

     If there is a history of breast cancer in your direct bloodline (mother or sister), Kelley explained you need to have your first mammogram eight years before it was detected in that particular family member. So if your mom was 40 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, you might want to get a mammogram at 32 years of age.

     “We do watch the direct family link,” Kelley said. “And we note other family members (with cancer) such as aunts and grandmothers.”

     Another area of concern in women is ovarian cancer, and a family with that is noted as well.

     “For these individuals we suggest genetic counseling,” said Kelley.

     To people’s fears to rest concerning mammography technology, Kelley she tries to make women feel as comfortable as possible.

     “It’s such an easy test to do,” she said. “There’s minimal radiation.”

     Kelley also pointed out one tidbit that might put women’s minds at ease… Caffeine is a trigger mechanism for breast tenderness. She said if you cut back on drinking caffeine before having a mammogram, it won’t be as painful of an experience.

     One in eight women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. The disease also affects men as well, with up to 1 percent being diagnosed. The difference in men is that they’re not being regularly tested like women.

     Kelley said she has been impressed with women in their 50s and 60s coming to JRMC lately for their baseline exams.

     “I am happy they’re taking the initiative,” she praised. “They’re open to coming in and getting checked.”

     Every year, the Monticello Express holds its annual Pink Out in October, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward cancer services at JRMC. The funds assisted in the purchase of the 3D mammography. With the success of the program, Kelley said another way to make patients feel more comfortable when having a mammogram is through the use of warming blankets. She said JRMC is working on purchasing a blanket warmer.

     “We want to make this exam as comfortable as possible,” she said.

     Sheila Tjaden, community development director at JRMC, said funds that continue to be donated “benefit JRMC mammography patients.”

     In addition to breast cancer services, JRMC also offers ultrasounds, biopsies, lunch cancer screenings, and colonoscopies.

     “It’s amazing how much we can provide here without having to send people to Cedar Rapids,” said Kelley.