FORT POLK, La. — Fear of discomfort. Worry about results. The assumption that feeling healthy means screening can wait. At Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, the mammography team helps patients address those concerns and take the next step in their care.
Maj. Zarana Trivedi, a diagnostic radiologist at BJACH, said patients should not wait for symptoms to discuss breast cancer screening.
“Breast cancer does not usually cause pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages,” she said. “Mammograms can help find changes before a person feels anything unusual.”
Trivedi recommends annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 for most women. Some patients at higher risk may need screening earlier or additional imaging, such as breast MRI. Personal and family health history help providers determine the appropriate plan.
Knowing that risk is an important starting point. Trivedi encourages patients to complete a Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment and discuss the results with their primary care provider. The tool estimates a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer; it does not diagnose cancer or replace a medical evaluation.
For Brenda Waddell, BJACH’s lead diagnostic radiologic technologist, helping patients feel comfortable begins when she schedules their appointment.
Waddell explains what to expect, shares preparation instructions and answers questions to help ease concerns and make the visit go smoothly. She encourages patients to discuss mobility limitations or difficult experiences so the team can better support their needs.
“Always show kindness and listen to patient needs and concerns,” Waddell said.
A mammogram typically takes about 10 minutes, she said. Compression spreads the breast tissue to produce clearer images, with each view generally requiring only five to 10 seconds of compression. Waddell adjusts compression manually to help limit discomfort.
Patients should tell the technologist about implants, prior breast surgeries and mammograms performed elsewhere. Previous images allow radiologists to compare changes over time and can help reduce unnecessary callbacks. When additional imaging is needed, patients should not assume the worst.
“Being called back does not automatically mean a patient has breast cancer,” Trivedi said.
A callback may mean the radiologist needs additional mammogram images or an ultrasound. Waddell contacts patients who need follow-up imaging to arrange their appointment, and the care team coordinates further evaluation when indicated.
Screening mammograms are for patients without symptoms. Anyone who notices a new lump, nipple discharge or another unusual breast change should contact their primary care provider promptly rather than wait for routine screening.
Patients assigned to a BJACH provider can call mammography at 726-780-2306 to ask about scheduling a screening mammogram. Those unsure when they are due can contact their care team through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.
For new breast symptoms or to arrange a primary care appointment, call 726-780-2175.
Editor Note: This is the final story in a three-part series highlighting cervical, colorectal and breast cancer screening at BJACH.
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