Better screening catches cancer earlier

Radiologist Dr. Timothy Phalen examines digital mammograms at Mercy Hospital Fairfield. The hospital has gone from film to digital mammograms because they show sharper images and provide fewer false positives. The computer comes with software that can provide a “second opinion” on suspicious areas of the breast.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Radiologist Dr. Timothy Phalen examines digital mammograms at Mercy Hospital Fairfield. The hospital has gone from film to digital mammograms because they show sharper images and provide fewer false positives. The computer comes with software that can provide a “second opinion” on suspicious areas of the breast.

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By Chelsey Levingston, Staff Writer 2:22 AM Saturday, October 16, 2010

Regular mammogram screenings, self-awareness and relationships with primary care doctors are important factors to early detection of breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About one in 35 women die from breast cancer in the U.S., according to Imaginis Corp., a health services website.

Mercy Hospital Fairfield recommends a mammogram once a year, as does Middletown’s Atrium Medical Center after age 40.

“We think the key is to have that relationship (with medical professionals) and to do it at regular intervals,” said Dr. Timothy Phalen, who is a radiologist for the Fairfield hospital.

In addition, Phalen urged awareness of genetics. If, for example, a woman’s mother or sister has breast cancer, the chances of contracting cancer are higher.

The number of people diagnosed with breast cancer is on the rise, according to area hospitals. But the rise may be due to better detection methods, Phalen said. Mercy Hospital switched to digital mammograms last year, and Fort Hamilton has had digital mammograms since 2006.

Atrium Medical Center, Fort Hamilton Hospital and Mercy Hospital Fairfield combined saw about 20 more cases of cancer in 2009 from 2008 to total more than 260 cases.

However, rates of breast cancer decreased by 2 percent among women older than 50 between 1998 and 2007, according to American Cancer Society.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 mammograms were performed at Fort Hamilton last year, said Dr. Linda Reilman, medical director of radiology at Fort Hamilton Hospital and mammography director at Women’s Health Choice. Of those, the incidence of cancer is 1 in 100, consistent with national standards, Reilman said.

Digital mammograms along with computer assisted programs is still the best screening tool, she said. She also suggests women get involved.

“I think the biggest shift I see is we still see breast cancers, but women are living through it better because we’re detecting it earlier and they’re smaller,” Reilman said.