Breast Care

Canyon View Imaging & Lab
2373 G Road, Ste 140
Grand Junction, CO 81505
(970) 644-4345

Click here for mammogram appointment information.
You may also call (970) 644-3157 to schedule an appointment.

Mammography

Screening mammography is a comprehensive test available for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. In many cases it can detect an abnormality before it can be felt. Community Hospital utilizes the latest technology for mammogams including digital mammography, 3D mammography, computer-aided detection (CAD) and automated calculation of breast density.
Breast tomosynthesis (3D) is the latest innovation in mammography and may result in earlier detection of small breast cancers that could be hidden on a conventional mammogram, fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests, and clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue.

Mammography Screening

Community Hospital has your mammography needs covered! Community Hospital offers Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams. The same GREAT care you deserve is now offered with new and improved technology. Community Hospital was the first to offer digital mammography in the Grand Valley. We proudly invest in your health, your comfort and your peace of mind.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that breast cancer incidence in women has increased from one in twenty in 1960 to one in eight today. If detected early, the five-year survival rate for this disease exceeds 95%. Talk to your primary care provider about when to get a mammogram. Early detection can save lives.

What is 3D mammography

Digital 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis (tomo), is a new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds. Images are displayed as a series of thin slices that can be viewed by our radiologists as individual images or in a dynamic interactive animation.

Overview - Why Have A Mammogram?
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Guidelines to assist in the early detection of breast cancer have been developed by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Radiology (ACR). Modern technologies aid in early detection, giving today’s women the best chance ever of surviving breast cancer.
Greater than 90% of breast cancer patients survive with appropriate treatment, if diagnosed in the earliest stage. Both the ACS and ACR recommend regular low-dose mammograms as the diagnostic tool of choice for detecting cancers too small to be felt. Although approximately 15% of breast cancers may not be detected through mammography, mammography remains the most cost effective tool in the early detection of breast cancer.

What to Expect
Exam Preparation - We ask that you do not apply powders, creams and deodorants on your underarms or breasts as these can interfere with a clear mammogram.
When you come in for your mammogram, dress in a comfortable two-piece outfit.
The best time to schedule your mammogram is the week following your period, if that applies to you.

During the Exam - You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a cape, opened to the front. Female technologists perform every mammogram. Technologists are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified and have an additional training and certification in mammography. Your breast will be positioned on state-of-the-art, accredited and licensed by (ACR), equipment. Then compression will be applied to your breast. Proper compression helps ensure better quality images. Your digital images will be viewed by the technologists for quality and correct positioning before ending the exam.

After the Exam - A board certified radiologist will interpret your mammogram and provide a formal report to your referring physician. A representative of Community Hospital will contact you if the radiologist detects any areas of concern. A letter will be mailed to you with your results. Feel free to contact our facility or check with your health care provider for additional information.

Rapid Diagnostic Clinic

The Rapid Diagnostic Clinic (RDC) helps quickly diagnose breast changes to ensure that patients receive appropriate care. Patients can be seen in our clinic through either a referral from their primary care physician due to a concerning finding or through an abnormal screening mammogram as recommended by a radiologist.

Patients who come to the clinic get all of their mammograms, additional views, ultrasounds and biopsies as necessary in one morning with navigation through the process by our team nurses and radiologists. Patients who need surgical follow-up are seen 24-48 hours later with fast-tracked biopsy results to start making a plan for treatment. The Rapid Diagnostic Clinic can help identify the reasons behind breast changes in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Some indicators of breast cancer may include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, any change in size or shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast. It is important to note that these symptoms can occur with other conditions that are not cancer. If signs or symptoms cause concern, individuals are encouraged to contact their physician right away.

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