According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It is about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent. Breast cancer does not discriminate based on age, race, or even gender, but there is one thing that rings true: early detection is key.
Burke Imaging, now located at 412 4th Street (the old library building) offers 3D mammograms with updated “Dueta” technology which allows the patient to do the compression themselves. Insurance typically covers preventative breast cancer screening for those ages 40 and over (35 for those with a family history of breast cancer). A physician order is needed for the procedure. The mammogram itself takes about 10 minutes, and once read by a radiologist, results are sent back to the referring physician.
“We can even get imaging from other places to compare previous and current images,” said Amanda Hinton, a mammography technician and Burke native.
Amanda knows that many women are apprehensive when they arrive for breast cancer screenings, so she goes above and beyond to put them at ease. “I let them know we are just taking pictures today. I talk to them about their family and keep their mind off the process. We are done before they know it,” she says.
The new state-of-the-art facility has also been helpful in getting patients’ minds off the task at hand, according to Hinton. “People haven’t been into this building since it was the library, so they actually love coming in and are excited to see the changes.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Burke Imaging is offering a pink t-shirt to women receiving a mammogram during the month of October. To schedule your mammogram, call 706-437-2673.
ABOUT BURKE HEALTH: Burke Health is a physician-led, patient-focused community hospital in Waynesboro, Georgia, specializing in orthopedic and cardiovascular care. Focusing on quality healthcare, including advanced technology, we are committed to preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems and providing better patient outcomes following surgical procedures. Burke Health’s hospital services include an emergency room, inpatient care, laboratory, imaging, Cath lab, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitative services. In addition, Burke Health provides outpatient care in the following clinics: Burke Cardiology, Burke Imaging, Burke Orthopedics, Southeastern Spine & Pain, and Burke Therapy.