Women are recommended to undergo a mammogram at age 40, a colonoscopy at 50 and bone density test at 65.

May 8-14 is National Women’s Health Week. Are you aware of the top recommended diagnostic imaging tests for women, Jacksonville? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, along with health organizations nationwide, highly recommends that women of certain ages undergo three diagnostic imaging tests. Jacksonville’s Precision Imaging Centers offers each of these tests and tips for what to expect:

1. Bone Density Test: Jacksonville women can find out whether they are at risk for osteoporosis with a bone density test, also known as a DXA (dual-energy X-ray). Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that affects nearly 10 million older Americans. A full 80 percent of them are women, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Women can lose upwards of 30 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, so it’s recommended that women get bone density tests at age 65 and every five years thereafter. Tests are especially important for women who weigh less than 127 pounds, have ever smoked, have had non-traumatic fractures as an adult or have a family history of osteoporosis.
2. Mammogram: Jacksonville women 40 and older should have a mammogram once a year, as well as a breast ultrasound or MRI if a calcium deposit or mass is spotted. If tests determine that a lump is a solid mass, a biopsy is the next step. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer when it’s confined to the breast. When diagnosed at this stage, 97 percent of women survive without a recurrence for at least five years, according to statistics gathered by the American Cancer Society.
3. Colonoscopy: Ok, Jacksonville women. We know this one ain’t no fun. But it’s important. And it doesn’t have to be quite as uncomfortable an issue as it once was. A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer even before symptoms occur. An optical colonoscopy involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube outfitted with a tiny camera into the patient’s anus and gently gliding it into the rectum and through the colon. In the less invasive virtual colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the anus, but not advanced into the rectum. Instead, the tube fills the colon with air and a CT scan is performed to create virtual images of the colon. This less invasive procedure can prove just as effective in detecting polyps as an optical colonoscopy. That’s important because, when caught in its early stage, colorectal cancer is more than 90 percent curable.

To schedule your diagnostic imaging tests, contact Jacksonville’s Precision Imaging Centers at 904-996-8100 or via our online appointment scheduling feature.

For 26 years, October has been celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Precision Imaging Centers want to know: Have you or the women you love had your digital mammogram yet? The American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology recommends screening breast exams using MRI for all women in a high-risk group, such as those with family histories of breast cancer. And to help make sure that women don’t forego mammograms for fear of financial troubles, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently issued new interim regulations that require private health insurers to cover preventative and early detection services with no cost sharing or copays in health insurance policies issued after September 23, 2010. The new regulations include annual mammography services for women age 40 and older.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you or the women you love scheduled a digital mammogram?

Jacksonville-based PIC offers the most comprehensive imaging for breast studies for early detection of breast tissue. We use cutting-edge imaging technology and we employ top notch, board-certified radiologists and highly qualified sub specialists. Our digital mammography services include both screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Screening mammograms do not require a physician’s referral and are recommended for women 40 years of age or older and for younger women with a history of fibrocystic breasts, breast tenderness, a previous benign biopsy, nipple discharge or a family history of breast cancer. For diagnostic mammograms, we do require that you consult with your healthcare provider first. These are for women who have abnormal mammogram or probably benign radiographic findings, for women with a personal history of breast disease and for specific clinical concerns such as lumps or lesions.

We know that mammograms are not exactly a walk in the park. So, we make getting your digital mammogram as comfortable an experience a possible. Our ladies’ lounge areas have changing rooms with plush bath robes and lockers to secure your belongings and we use mammogram soft pads to create a warmer, softer surface between your breast and the imaging equipment. We know that the wait for information can be stressful too, so we get your mammogram and other imaging results to you and your doctor usually within four hours. To accommodate your busy schedule, Precision Imaging Centers is open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. When possible, we are happy to accommodate same-day and next day appointments.

More than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Nearly 40,000 of them will die. However, 98 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years when cancer is discovered early, compared to just 23 percent diagnosed after cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Don’t skip a service that could save your life. To schedule your screening mammogram, call Precision Imaging Centers at 904-996-8100 or use our convenient online appointment request feature.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued new interim regulations that will require private health insurers to cover preventative and early detection services, including annual mammography services for women age 40 and older, with no cost sharing or copays in health insurance policies issued after September 23, 2010.

The move is part of the DHHS’ implementation of the recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is welcome news to critics of controversial recommendations handed down last fall. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, a government advisory panel, concluded that annual screening mammograms for women ages 40-49 who do not have an elevated risk of breast cancer are unnecessary. Their reasoning was that scientists are concerned about overdiagnosis, false positives and unnecessary biopsies and radiation exposure. Instead, the panel recommends low risk women get mammograms every two years beginning at age 50. But many women’s health care professionals and advocates disagree.

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring the promise of health reform is delivered to all women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “This new rule means money will no longer be an obstacle for women who want or need a mammogram. Ultimately, this will save lives.”

More than 200,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 of them will die. However, 98 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years when cancer is discovered early, compared to just 23 percent diagnosed after cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Precision Imaging Centers offers top-quality digital mammography services (both screening mammography and diagnostic mammography) in Jacksonville. We do not require a physician’s referral for asymptomatic women age 40 and older, and we can arrange to have film from your prior breast exams sent securely to our office for comparison. We offer evening and weekend appointments – 7 a.m.-11 p.m. week days, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays for your convenience. Visit our website to make an appointment or call 904-966-8100 for more information.