Fit & Well: Screening Mammograms

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Finding breast cancer early increases survival rates, but many women at an average risk for breast cancer skip their annual mammogram.

Idaho ranks 50th among U.S. states and the District of Columbia for breast cancer screenings.

Screening mammograms are used for early detection of breast cancer in women without any symptoms.

The X-ray images used in mammography make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.

Dr. Nathan Kelsey of St. Luke’s Magic Valley talked about the importance of mammograms.

“One in eight women get breast cancer in their lifetime,” Dr. Kelsey said. “Breast cancer is very treatable if we can find it early. We can offer treatments like breast conservation therapy, so taking out a very small portion of the breast to treat the breast cancer. Our goal is to limit the mortality, meaning death, and morbidity, meaning side effects.”

St. Luke’s allows walk-in screening mammograms to help fit people’s schedules.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s Women’s Imaging Center in the Renaissance Plaza on North College Road in Twin Falls.

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