October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Casper Medical Imaging & Outpatient Radiology (CMI & OPR) are once again commemorating this important month with several events and initiatives to promote the importance of breast screenings for early detection of breast cancer. Most importantly, throughout October CMI & OPR will empower women in and around Casper to take charge of their breast health by scheduling their annual mammogram.
At CMI & OPR, Breast Cancer Awareness month is much more than an opportunity to wear pink. It’s an opportunity to save lives. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Even more startling, family history is not a factor in 80% of breast cancer diagnoses. This is why regular screenings are so important. Regardless of your health or history, a breast screening or mammogram, is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Therefore, annual mammograms should begin for individuals at age 40.
“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. At CMI & OPR, we’ve worked hard to become a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center so patients see and feel our dedication to women’s health. Women should begin annual mammograms at 40, but if you’re younger than 40 we encourage you to talk to your doctor about your personal risk,” says Women’s Health Supervisor, Jessie Wagner.
In September, it became mandatory for imaging facilities to report breast density for mammography patients. CMI & OPR were at the forefront of this requirement and have been notifying patients of their breast density since June. It’s critical for women to know their breast density as having high breast density has been linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. CMI & OPR use mammography to help women assess their breast density. Thus, if there is one action CMI & OPR recommend women take for their health during Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s to get a mammogram.
“Don’t put off your mammogram. We can’t stress the importance of annual screenings and knowing your breast density to effectively manage and prevent breast cancer. Our radiologists use mammography to help women assess their breast density as having high breast density makes it harder to detect early-stage cancers in the breasts,” says Wagner.
Throughout October, CMI & OPR are working with several community partners to spread awareness and make mammograms more accessible for women. Together with the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Wyoming Cancer Resource Services, and several local businesses, they are supporting the fight against breast cancer and celebrating the survivors.
CMI & OPR are also facilitating or participating in several events where individuals can schedule mammograms, learn more about prevention and early detection, and support women affected by breast cancer.
- Saturday Mammograms: The CMI & OPR facility will be open every Saturday in October from 8-12 p.m. for mammogram appointments (excluding 10/19). Schedule yours by calling (307) 232-5012. Free breakfast is provided and sponsored by the Casper Warbirds hockey team.
- Brunch and Breast Health: Join CMI & OPR and their breast health partners on October 19th from 8-12 p.m. to learn about breast health, get a mammogram, enjoy brunch, and win prizes.
- Pink the Rink: Join the Casper Warbirds at the Casper Rec Center on October 25th at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a special game dedicated to supporting breast cancer.
CMI & OPR are committed to supporting breast health in Casper and surrounding communities. With a Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology specialist on their team and a voluntary designation in breast imaging excellence from the American College of Radiology, CMI & OPR bring years of experience in high-quality mammography and other breast imaging modalities. As a Comprehensive Breast Imaging center, CMI & OPR have it all. From baseline screenings to stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and even personalized Breast Care Plans, CMI & OPR’s board-certified and fellowship trained radiologists, PAs, and technologists always put patients’ care and comfort first.
Learn more about their commitment to breast Imaging excellence and schedule your annual mammogram at https://caspermedicalimaging.net/services/breast-imaging-biopsy/.
For questions or to request an interview, please contact Jes Stanbury at jes@lumstudio.com.