Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women: One in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. Signs of breast cancer include a lump or an area of thickening in the breast.
Prevention
Women should perform a self exam every month, feeling for signs of breast cancer. In addition, women should have a clinical breast exam every three years from the age of 20 until 40. At 40, women should schedule a mammography every one to two years.
Diagnosis
The Breast Care Center at Saint Francis Medical Center focuses on the needs of today’s woman and offer her peace of mind. Our physicians, on-site surgeons, specially trained registered nurses and experienced radiologists provide education, examinations, testing and treatments to meet unique healthcare needs of women.
Saint Francis Breast Care Center offers several tests to detect breast cancer, including:
- Tomosynthesis 3-D mammography
- Ultrasounds
- Stereotactic breast biopsy
Three-dimensional mammograms are also available to patients in the Poplar Bluff area. Call Saint Francis Imaging Poplar Bluff at 573-778-2637 for more information or to schedule a mammogram. Walk-ins are also welcome.
To schedule a 3-D mammogram in the Cape Girardeau area, call Saint Francis Breast Care Center at 573-331-5209.
Treatments
After diagnosis, treatment follows quickly at the Medical Center’s Cancer Institute. Anesthesiologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, a genetic counselor and a nurse navigator work collaboratively to provide the latest, evidence-based treatment, including:
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy or double mastectomy
- Chemotherapy
- CyberKnife® VSI™ Robotic RadioSurgery System
Genetic Counseling
Saint Francis is the only facility in the area to provide genetic counseling. Our board-certified counselor will help you determine your risk of developing breast cancer, promote early detection through screening, and guide you through the decision-making process.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
Saint Francis offers two support groups for breast cancer patients. The Power of Pink is a six-week support session that starts in January and June. Saint Francis Breast Care Center sponsors RESTORE, a quarterly luncheon held in the Healing Arts Center Conference Room. To learn more about the next Power of Pink or RESTORE support group, call Saint Francis Breast Care Center at 573-331-5209, ext. 2.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Saint Francis participates in several activities to raise breast cancer awareness. Our community-based program, Pink Up™, paints Cape Girardeau and the surrounding communities in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. We partner with businesses, schools and individual donors to raise funds for Dig For Life. These funds provide mammograms to area women who otherwise would not receive this important screening.
