Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us, and Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff (OPR Scottsbluff) stresses the importance of annual mammograms for breast cancer prevention. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but early detection saves lives. Mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer prevention as they can detect cancer early, before a lump can even be felt, greatly improving outcomes. A recent OPR Scottsbluff patient has lived it and shares her experience, urging women to take action for their breast health.
After opening in April 2024, OPR Scottsbluff held its first Breast Cancer Awareness Month event in October that same year. Aptly named “Mammos, Mocktails, and Massages,” women in the community showed up to see what OPR Scottsbluff had to offer for breast imaging, while enjoying mocktails, massages, and meeting their team. Lori Schultz attended last year’s event, unaware at the time of the impact it would have on her life.
“I was glad that they held that event and that I went. It got me out of my comfort zone and forced me to stop putting off my mammogram. I scheduled one right then and there. That month, I had my first screening mammogram in three years after not having a great experience at a previous facility. Unfortunately, in my case, the mammogram discovered a lump,” says Lori.
Lori’s mammogram results came back with an abnormality, requiring follow-up diagnostic imaging and a visit with OPR Scottsbluff’s radiologist, Dr. Yung. Lori then received a breast MRI to further evaluate the lump, which, though small, was cancerous. Shortly after, Lori had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy, and is now cancer-free one year later.
“Their team went through each step throughout my imaging, which was very helpful since I didn’t know what to expect. It was so streamlined, and I am already scheduling my next annual mammogram this October. I’m much happier with OPR Scottsbluff’s team, their scheduling system, fast insurance approval, and overall imaging experience. They take the uneasiness out of everything, from my initial mammogram to the further testing I needed,” says Lori.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place each October, but OPR Scottsbluff says breast health should be at the forefront all year long. Startling breast cancer statistics, such as family history NOT being a factor in 80% of breast cancer diagnoses, illustrate why regular screenings are so important. Regardless of a person’s health or history, annual mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Therefore, annual screening mammograms should begin for individuals at age 40.
“A lot of women put off their mammograms because they think it won’t happen to them, but I can’t stress enough the importance of staying up to date on your screenings. And it’s so easy at Outpatient Radiology to get in and get it done. Even in my case, where a lump was found, it was caught early enough that it was small, treated quickly, and a year later, I’m still cancer-free. The unknown is scary, and that’s why many of us put off our mammograms, but I was lucky my lump was caught early, and because of that, I’m still here,” says Lori.
While mammograms detect a lump before it can be felt, like in Lori’s case, for women who do feel a lump, OPR Scottsbluff is by your side every step of the way. If a screening mammogram detects a lump, patients would then receive a breast ultrasound. Then, depending on the size and location of the lump, a breast biopsy, guided by either ultrasound or MRI, would be necessary. The biopsy is then sentto an accredited pathology facility before results are sent back to OPR Scottsbluff and your oncologist, who work closely together for seamless, individualized care
OPR Scottsbluff is committed to providing excellent screening and breast care to the women in the Scottsbluff community and throughout western Nebraska all year round. From high-quality 3D tomosynthesis mammograms to abbreviated breast MRIs, OPR-S provides caring and compassionate women’s imaging with less wait time and lower costs. Stay tuned for their 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month events to see how they can help you put your breast health first.
Learn more or schedule a mammogram by calling 308-281-XRAY or self-schedule online. Remember, you don’t need a doctor’s order to schedule your screening mammogram.