Mammogram crucial in detecting woman’s unique type of breast cancer

Mammogram crucial in detecting woman's unique type of breast cancer

April Moreno never skips her annual mammogram. It's thanks to her consistency that doctors discovered a tumor - and unfortunately breast cancer - early.

"None of our family has it. So, I was shocked," said Moreno. "I was just like, 'How do you tell your kids?'"

But Moreno wasn't down for long. She knew the only way to beat the disease was to keep a positive mindset.

"I've never been a quitter," she said. "I feel like my whole life I've been in some kind of survival mode. So, I'm used to fighting and getting through, and quitting is not an option for me."

Why a physical exam isn't enough

It's Moreno's determination and her regular screenings that gave her a head start in her healing journey.

Dr. Li Lisa Ge, Medical Director, Breast Oncology Program at Community Cancer Institute, said without the mammogram, Moreno's tumor would have gone undetected, possibly growing and spreading.

"The type of cancer April has, about 10-15% of breast cancers present like that," said Dr. Ge. "The cancer did not present as a palpable mass; it presented as calcification."

While physical exams - performed either at home or by your primary care doctor - are helpful in discovering potentially cancerous lumps in breast tissue, they're unable to detect calcium deposits. These deposits can be an early indication of cancer, and they require a mammogram for detection.

Community offers mammograms and other early detection options

Regular screenings are essential in helping prevent cancer. Community Health System offers multiple ways to detect breast cancer, including:

• Digital and diagnostic mammography
• Genetic counseling (looking at your family history to determine the likelihood of cancer)
• Genetic testing (medical tests that can identify changes in your genes and DNA)

Talk with your primary care physician to learn about your options.

Inspiring others to get screened

While Moreno is thankful her cancer was caught early, she knows her fight is far from over.

"Don't get me wrong - I have had days where I've sat on the side of the bed, or trying to step out of the shower, and I'm too weak and I feel sick," she admitted. "But I feel like being positive and having that kind of mindset is at least 80% of being successful at this."

She hopes her story will inspire others to commit to regular breast cancer screenings.

"I beg you, please, go get your screenings" she said. "It's not about saving the 'tatas,' like everybody says. It's about saving your life."

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