Breast Cancer Fact Sheet

Studies have shown that if your mammogram is performed at a Breast Center and interpreted by a dedicated breast-imaging radiologist, more curable cancers are found with fewer unnecessary studies; at The Breast Care Center at St. Joseph Hospital, your mammogram will be performed and interpreted by dedicated breast imagers.

• Although breast cancer occurs in one-in-seven Colorado women, if found early, survival can be greater than 95%.
• Survival from breast cancer has improved by at least 2% per year since 1990, mostly due to early detection on screening mammograms.
• Although there are likely many things which contribute to the development of breast cancer, most breast cancers occur randomly and ALL women age 40 and over should have yearly screening mammograms.
• If a cancer is found on a mammogram before it can be felt, survival is greatly improved.
• Nonwhite women have a lower incidence of breast cancer but a higher death rate; survival, however, can be improved by regular screening mammograms.
• Uninsured women have a poorer survival rate from breast cancer; The Breast Care Center at St. Joseph Hospital has programs in place to provide screening mammograms for all women, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Known genetic causes of breast cancer account for less than 15% of all breast cancers.
• Digital mammography may offer a slight advantage over ‘regular' film mammography in certain women; The Breast Care Center at St. Joseph Hospital already offers digital mammograms on its Mobile Mammography Unit and will soon offer digital exams in all of their locations.
• In the unlikely event that you will develop breast cancer, Exempla St. Joseph Hospital offers diagnostic, treatment and recovery planning with dedicated specialists working together in a comprehensive environment.

The Breast Care Center provides screening and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI and ultrasound, as well as breast biopsies including ultrasound, stereotactic and MRI-guided biopsies. The best approach to providing the highest-quality breast care is the integrated approach, where all services - from cancer screeening through treatment - are in one place. Quality service, continuity of care, communication among physicians and patient satisfaction all are better when a patient can receive all the care she needs in one place.