Adena Health mammographer’s experience with breast cancer showcases importance of annual mammograms

CHILLICOTHE, OH (October 17, 2024) – As a mammographer with Adena Health, Andrea Wiseman regularly reminds women that getting a mammogram should be an annual priority.

As a woman, she knows firsthand how important that screening is after a mammogram revealed something abnormal that launched her own battle with breast cancer.

“I had eight mammograms in a row that had been completely normal and, because I was getting ready to have an elective surgery done in 2020, I decided to get a mammogram done about a month and a half earlier than usual,” Wiseman recalled. “There was a prominent cancer there that had shown up less than 11 months after my previous screening. That’s why it’s so important to get a mammogram done annually. We’ve seen some women who, for whatever reason, go two or three years in between screenings and then cancer is discovered in more advanced stages.”

Wiseman, a 26-year Adena employee with 20 years of experience as a mammographer, learned the day before her surgery that her mammogram had detected something abnormal. After further testing confirmed the diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and, because the cancer had gotten into her lymph nodes that quickly, had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

As such, she understands what her patients are going through and can convey an appreciation of the services Adena offers to help women navigate through their breast health journey.

Jamie Kelley, manager of radiology operations for mammography and ultrasound, said Adena recommends women start getting annual screening mammograms at the age of 40, earlier if their physician determines they have factors that put them at higher risk. Adena utilizes 3D mammography, considered the best technology now available in the field for early detection.

“The 3D technology allows the radiologist to see the breast tissue layer by layer,” Kelley said. “Think of it like looking at a book. You have a book and you’re looking at the cover and you really can’t see anything except the cover. When you open the book and flip through the pages one at a time, though, you can read the book. When you apply that concept to a mammogram, a radiologist can read those breast tissue layers one millimeter at a time to get a more complete picture than the former 2D model.

“A 3D mammogram is really beneficial in women who have really dense breast tissue. It captures up to 65% more breast cancers than 2D alone, which is why 3D is our standard of care at Adena.”

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Adena’s mammography team is sharing answers to some other common questions women may have regarding mammograms.

How long does a mammogram take and is it painful?
From start to finish, including the time taken to go through a brief registration process, a screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes to complete. A patient can expect to feel some pressure on the breasts because of the compression needed to get clear images, but it should not be painful. If any pain is felt, women can let the tech doing the screening know and adjustments can be made. Any slight discomfort from the pressure, however, is offset by the benefit of being able to detect potential cancer at the earliest stage possible.

What’s the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to detect breast cancer in women who aren’t showing any signs or symptoms of the disease.

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to investigate suspicious breast changes such as a new lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It is also used to evaluate unexpected findings from a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram includes additional mammogram images.

Do you need to do anything to prepare for a mammogram?
For the annual screening mammogram, there’s very little needed to prepare. Patients need to have a physician to whom results can be sent. On the day of the exam, they should wear a blouse or shirt that can be easily removed and should avoid wearing powders, lotions, or deodorant in the breast area.

Does family history of breast cancer play an important role in developing cancer?
Not really. Among women who develop breast cancer, as many as 80% to 85% have no definitive connection of their cancer to their family medical history. Misunderstanding of that fact can become a barrier to getting some women to come in for a mammogram.

“Masses can get to about the size of a quarter before you can actually feel them, so getting a mammogram is the gold standard for finding them earlier,” Pollard said. “We have some women who feel that since they don’t have a family history of breast cancer, they don’t need to have mammograms, but that’s faulty logic. There’s a very high percentage of patients who develop breast cancer who don’t have a family history of it.”

Where do breast self-exams fit into preventing breast cancer?
Women should perform self-exams regularly at home so they know what feels normal and recognize when something such as a lump appears. The focal points to check are around the collarbone, underneath the arm, underneath the breast and into the cleavage area, and it’s important to check one side first and compare it to the other. Anytime there’s something that has changed to the point that it feels concerning, it should be mentioned to the patient’s health care provider for consideration of a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound to get answers about the change.

Are there mammogram options for those who have transportation or financial issues in getting one?Understanding the importance of mammograms to women’s health, Adena has options in place to try and overcome those types of roadblocks to getting screened. The health system’s mobile mammography unit regularly travels to locations across Adena’s service area expanding patient access to screening mammograms.

“We take our mobile mammography unit all across the nine counties that we serve,” Kelley said. “We go to employers, schools, hospitals, and clinics and hear over and over again that if we didn’t have the mobile unit there, many women wouldn’t get an exam.”

On the financial side, the health system doesn’t want cost to keep women from such an important service. Adena has financial counselors and navigators who can help patients who qualify for financial assistance connect with community resources such as the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Project for the help they need.

Early detection saves lives, so schedule your mammogram today by calling 740-779-7711 and learn more at Adena.org/mammography.