Clearwater Valley Health Expands Local Breast Imaging Services During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Ashley Steinbruecker, Director of Marketing, CVH

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important reminder for women to prioritize their breast health and stay up to date on recommended screenings. This year, Clearwater Valley Health is expanding access to breast imaging services, allowing more patients to receive the care they need close to home.

Clearwater Valley Health now offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as breast ultrasounds, through its mammography truck. Previously, only screening mammograms were available locally.

“We’re excited to now be able to offer diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds in addition to screening mammograms,” said Britney Summerfield, BS, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), Radiology Manager at Clearwater Valley Health. “This allows us to keep more of our patients local instead of sending them elsewhere for additional imaging.”

Screening mammograms are routine exams for patients who are not experiencing breast symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms are used when a patient has a concern, such as a lump or breast pain, or when something found during a screening mammogram needs a closer look. Breast ultrasounds can also be used to evaluate a specific area of concern and may be performed along with a mammogram when needed.

“Our technologists are trained and ready to provide these additional exams right here in our communities,” Summerfield said. “Being able to offer more breast imaging services locally is a great benefit for our patients and helps reduce the need to travel for follow-up care.”

The expanded services come at an especially fitting time. According to the CDC, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, and mammograms are an important tool for finding breast cancer early, sometimes before it is large enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Breast biopsies will continue to be referred out at this time, with hopes of offering that service locally in the future.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clearwater Valley Health encourages community members to talk with their healthcare provider about their individual breast cancer risk and when mammography screening may be appropriate for them.