Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 62 Desiree Fillner, Certified Fitter Breast Boutique Samantha Bourne Mammography Technologist with 3D Mammography T he statistics on breast cancer in the United States can be overwhelming. It is the second most common form of cancer among American women and there is a one in eight chance a woman will develop the disease in her lifetime. Nationally, more than 240,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while a June 2018 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services report indicates that nearly 800 Montana women are diag- nosed with breast cancer and about 140 die from it annually. But buried among the statistics are encouraging numbers that show the impor- tance and effectiveness of regular screenings and early detection in survival rates. "With how common breast cancer is, early detection is key," said Dr. Le Min Lee, a medical oncologist at Billings Clinic. The American Cancer Society estimates that the five-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer—the earliest forms of the dis- ease—is near 100 percent, while those diagnosed with stage II breast cancer see a rate of about 93 percent. The rate for stage III breast cancers is about 73 percent and those in stage IV that have spread to other parts of the body, called metastatic, have a five-year relative survival rate of around 22 percent. However, it is important to note that many of these cases can see success with proper treatment. Dr. Lee said the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage. "That's a good thing," she said. "Early-stage breast cancer can often be cured, and patients can go on to live healthy, happy lives." One of the most important tools in early breast cancer detection is a mammogram. While it cannot prevent or cure the disease, this simple diagnostic procedure is vital in catching it in the early stages, since many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors and no family history of the disease. The American College of Radiology recom- mends that women begin receiving regular mammograms beginning at age 40. Dr. Mariah White, a Billings Clinic radiologist who specializes in diagnos- tic and women's imaging, noted that those at a higher risk—such as women with a strong family history or those with certain genetic indicators—may consider getting screenings at a younger age at the recommendation of a physician. B I L L I N G S C L I N I C B R E AST C E N T E R "With how common breast cancer is, early detection is key," said Dr. Le Min Lee, a medical oncologist at Billings Clinic.

• Cover