Discover the importance of breast cancer screenings with Dr. Camila Ortega of Baptist Health
Cancer can be a scary word, but Dr. Camila Ortega, breast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health, wants patients to know that breast cancer is a very curable disease, especially with early detection.
“A lot of women are afraid of getting their screening mammograms and getting their breasts checked out because they’re afraid of what may happen if they get the tests done,” she said, “but we know for a fact that if women are getting their annual screening mammograms starting at the age of 40 — or before if patients are at higher risk — then that really allows us to diagnose things at a very, very early stage where the prognosis is excellent, the survival is excellent, and the treatments are necessary, but they’re well tolerated.”
She added that today’s 3D mammograms are more reliable than ever, offering tomosynthesis technology that gives radiologists a better view of breast tissue and potential abnormalities. While some may worry about the effects of radiation from mammograms, Ortega said the low doses of radiation involved in screenings do not cause any health problems, do not build up in the body over time and are safe even for women who are pregnant, in whom mammograms can be used for diagnostic purposes.
She recommended all women receive yearly mammograms starting at age 40 or even earlier if they have risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer.
Women of all ages should visit a gynecologist annually for a clinical breast exam, she said, and she encouraged women to perform monthly self-exams to understand how their breasts look and feel normally so they can notify a health care provider if they detect any changes.
Breast cancer is not limited to women, either. Breast cancer is more rare in men, affecting 1 in 8 women but just 1 in 755 men, the American Cancer Society states. However, Ortega said breast cancer in men is often more aggressive and may be diagnosed at a later stage. She urged men to schedule a checkup immediately if they notice lumps in the chest or armpits, nipple discharge, or anything else out of the ordinary.
Living a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise and nutrition while avoiding smoking, heavy drinking and processed foods can help reduce breast cancer risk and improve the effectiveness of treatments, she added.
While improved screening methods and recommendations have decreased the number of deaths associated with breast cancer, Ortega said she is also encouraged by the impact of targeted therapies geared toward each patient’s specific cancer subtype.
“I see patients getting diagnosed with less advanced breast cancer in more early stages because of advances in detection methods,” she said, “but I’m also seeing patients overcoming breast cancer and not really having recurrences and living longer because of the targeted therapies.”
In an effort to help more women understand their breast cancer risk and access screenings, Ortega organizes community outreach events through Baptist Health to provide free breast exams and mammograms, along with information about breast health.
“I think giving the community access to this information is paramount so people can be advocates for themselves,” Ortega said. “If they have the information, they can start seeking providers. They can start seeking places where they can go and get things checked. I think the main focus of my career right now is to try to expand the message, reinforce that screening mammograms are a life-saving test, and for everybody to have access and get it done.”
To schedule a mammogram, visit baptist-health.org or call 501-202-1922.
