BCHC hosts ‘Get the Tea on Breast Cancer’

ALBION — Boone County Health Center (BCHC) welcomed 75 guests to its “Get the Tea on Breast Cancer” event on October 5, bringing women together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to learn more about breast cancer screening, early detection and the importance of understanding their individual risk.

Dr. Tami Dodds, BCHC Chief of Medical Staff, served as emcee for the evening. She welcomed guests and recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a time to honor and remember those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Dodds then introduced featured speaker Dr. Kinzie Norris, Breast Surgical Oncologist with Faith Health, highlighting her extensive background, passion for patient education and role as a valuable resource and partner for BCHC.

Throughout her presentation, Dr. Norris emphasized the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection. For women at average risk, current guidelines recommend annual mammography beginning at age 40, with 3-D mammography preferred when available. Screening does not prevent breast cancer, but it can find cancer earlier, when treatment may be less invasive and survival is higher.

A key message throughout the evening was that mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening. While other imaging options can provide valuable additional information for some women, particularly those with dense breasts or increased risk, they are generally used to supplement or be used in addition to a mammogram—not replace it. Mammography remains especially important because it can detect calcifications and other early changes that may not be seen with other screening methods.

Dr. Norris also encouraged women to understand their individual breast cancer risk and not wait for a routine screening if they notice a new or concerning breast change. She discussed breast density, family history and other risk factors, as well as when additional screening may be recommended.

The presentation addressed many common questions surrounding supplemental screening options, including ultrasound, contrast-enhanced mammography, MRI, thermography, HerScan, QT imaging and molecular breast imaging. Dr. Norris discussed the benefits and limitations of these options, along with concerns surrounding radiation exposure and emerging advances in breast imaging.

Following the presentation, Dodds recognized the BCHC Radiology team, whose members have a combined 75 years of dedicated experience serving patients.

While the evening included plenty of fun, the most important takeaway was one BCHC hopes women will act on: know your risk, get your mammogram and get screened. Early detection can save lives.