Kristine Delamarter, MD, and Joy Harvey, FNP, Recommends Clinical Breast Exams and Digital Mammograms
Kristine Delamarter, MD, of Madras Medical Group (MMG) and Joy Harvey, FNP, of Mountain View Medical & Surgical Associates (MSA) recently completed a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) training. The training is part of the OHSU Cancer Institute Breast Health Education Program, a comprehensive approach to breast cancer detection and a follow-up of clinical findings. The CBE training is a unique, skill-based course designed for primary care clinicians and other providers offering screening services. A proper CBE takes six to ten minutes and the clinician’s undivided attention. This type of exam is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The state at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%.
Every woman over the age of 18 should have a complete, thorough CBE at least every three years. Women 40 and older should have a CBE and mammogram every year for the earliest detection of breast cancer.
Mountain View Hospital now offers state-of-the-art digital mammography services. This new technology offers a number of other practical advantages to patient convenience. Because there is no waiting time for film to be developed it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the Imaging suite, as well as reducing the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. The digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films.
If you or your loved one do not have insurance, or insurance does not cover preventative screening, you may qualify for a free CBE through the Oregon Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Call 1.877.255.7070 for more information.
To schedule an appointment for a Clinical Breast Exam at Mountain View Medical and Surgical Associates call 547-475-4800, or call Madras Medical Group at 541-475-3874. To schedule an appointment for a digital mammogram, contact Mountain View Hospital at 541-475-3882 ext. 2224.