IN Bethel Park Fall 2018 | Page 8

Get tested. Get answers. And peace of mind. Jefferson Hospital makes it easy for women to protect their health with preventive screenings at every stage of life. 3-D mammograms and DEXA scans are a better way to monitor your breast health and bone strength. BETTER HEALTH THROUGH EARLY DETECTION BUILDING STRONG BONES There are 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today. Many are here because their breast cancer was detected early. You can protect your health with advanced screening technology that helps Jefferson Hospital’s doctors give you a more precise diagnosis. DEXA bone scans measure bone density using a low- dose X-ray. They help doctors determine your risk of osteoporosis, so treatment can begin early. When osteoporosis is managed, you are less likely to break a hip or other bone as the result of a fall or other accident. Full-field digital 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis) helps doctors find cancers earlier and with greater accuracy. Early detection can help shorten treatment times and give you the best possible results from your therapy. When doctors can pinpoint abnormalities with greater accuracy, you may be able to have fewer follow-up tests or biopsies. Getting a breast scan with 3-D mammography is like a traditional mammogram in that it: • Takes the same amount of time. • Is a simple outpatient exam. • Is covered by insurance in Pennsylvania. BETTER HEALTH THROUGHOUT LIFE Women should have preventive mammogram screenings every year after age 40. Women (and men) age 60 and older should have a bone density screening for osteoporosis once every two years. Talk to your doctor about your family history or individual risk factors — you may need to start screenings at a younger age.