HOLLAND, Mich., Oct. 17, 2023 — About one in eight women will face a diagnosis of breast cancer in her lifetime, which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among US women. Experts agree that early detection is key to preventing death from breast cancer when it is smaller and has not spread, making it easier to treat.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October, Susan Ervine, MD, medical director of breast care at Holland Hospital Breast Care aims to outline Holland Hospital’s screening recommendations and share details about the lifesaving resources available to West Michigan women.
Holland Hospital Breast Care recommends the following screenings:
- Women at average risk receive an annual screening mammography beginning at age 40
- Women at high risk receive an annual screening breast MRI in addition to a mammogram
- Women at an elevated risk begin screenings 10 years prior to the age that an immediate family member was diagnosed with breast cancer
These recommendations take a more progressive approach than the recently updated guidelines announced in May 2023, by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The USPSTF updated its mammography screening recommendations for women across the US, suggesting biennial screening mammography for women ages 40-74 years old. The USPSTF previously suggested mammograms begin at age 50, with screenings taking place every other year unless the patient had an elevated risk or family history.
Though these screenings are a “step in the right direction,” Dr. Ervine suggests women advocate for their health further by talking to their doctor about a more personalized approach. She shared that since many women don’t know their risks, starting the conversation early with their primary care doctor is important. “Breast health should be addressed during those appointments, and these discussions can begin as early as age 18.”
Additionally, Dr. Ervine suggests monthly self-breast exams at home. “It doesn’t have to be a big event,” she explained. “It’s good to know what is normal for you and when there is a change. If something changes, contact your primary care doctor.”
Holland Hospital offers lakeshore women access to breast imaging mammograms and diagnosis at three locations in Ottawa County, two in Holland and one in Zeeland. “We offer 3D screenings at all our screening sites. It’s just a 20-minute appointment. We get you in and out, and we make it quick and streamlined, like running any other errand.”
For women who may be considered at intermediate risk—those with dense breast tissue but no other risk factors—Holland Hospital is among the first in West Michigan to offer a supplemental screening known as an abbreviated MRI. This service offers patients an out-of-pocket, flat rate, shortened version of breast MRI that screens for additional breast cancers not seen on mammography. “This service has been really well received since its introduction and offers women another resource.”
Holland Hospital is dedicated to ensuring all women have access to lifesaving screenings. For those without insurance, who are underinsured, or who have high deductibles, the Holland Hospital Breast Care Fund helps cover the cost of screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as ultrasounds and biopsies. Through private donations and grants, this fund aims to remove the financial barriers that may deter women from seeking vital breast care services.
“It’s a wonderful resource. It provides breast care resources from screening mammograms through diagnostics and pathology. We don’t want women to be turned away based on an inability to pay,” said Dr. Ervine.
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