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Dr. Scuderi and the Future of Breast Cancer Screenings

Ackerman Cancer Center

June 3, 2022

Our very own Dr. Gaelyn Scuderi joined Millennium Physician Group on Medicare Connect Radio for a meaningful discussion about Breast Cancer. Dr. Scuderi discussed common misconceptions, risk factors, screening and diagnostic methods such as Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM), and other topics associated with breast cancer.

Breast MRI as Traditional Supplemental Screening

The first-choice test for early breast cancer detection is the digital mammogram. This exam takes images of both breasts from different angles. 3D mammograms provide images of the breasts in slices as thin as 1 mm. Our radiation oncologists use these thin-slice pictures to examine the breast tissues layer by layer. 3D mammography has been shown to improve detection of invasive cancers when used in conjunction with standard mammography.

Dr. Scuderi explained the importance of supplemental screening after your mammograms, especially in high risk women. Dr. Scuderi stated that Breast MRI for supplemental screening has been the gold-standard, but unfortunately MRI is not tolerated well by certain women. Due to pacemakers, spine related issues, or even claustrophobia, some patients cannot successfully complete a breast MRI. The screening requires you to be extremely still for 30 minutes, in what Dr. Scuderi describes as the “superman position.” While it is not the best fit for every woman, breast MRI’s can still be a good option for others.

Breast MRI vs. CEM

Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) offers an identical sensitivity to breast MRI and is an innovative form of diagnostic screening that is best suited for women who are at high risk of breast cancer. CEM is also a preferred method of screening that is efficient in that it is performed simultaneously with a traditional 2D or 3D mammogram. The only difference is that prior to the mammogram, the patient is injected with contrast (the same kind you receive for a CT scan). Dr. Scuderi is present when these screenings take place, and the patient’s mammograms are reviewed right then and there.

Along with CEM being a more comfortable screening for women, it is also significantly cheaper and covered by most insurance plans.

Learn More

The radio segment aired on WOKV on June 4th and can be listened to as a podcast at any time. Click here to listen to the full podcast.

For more information about our breast clinic at Ackerman Cancer Center, click here.

Support

Ackerman Cancer Center hosts a monthly support group, SHINE (Supporting Her in Everyway), to support those on their breast cancer journey. The group provides a community for these women and education on topics related to cancer. Click here to sign up and learn more information about SHINE.

 

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