Did you know the breast cancer mortality rate in Scotts Bluff County is 7% higher than the national average? Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff encourages women to stop putting off their annual screening mammogram, the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OPR Scottsbluff is making it easy to get your mammogram with online self-scheduling, community events and collaborative care with local oncology teams.
When it comes to breast cancer screening, knowledge is power, but misinformation surrounding screening guidelines can make knowing when to get a mammogram confusing. Mammograms are the most effective way to screen for breast cancer, often detecting a lump before it can be felt. OPR Scottsbluff follows the ACR & SBI’s evidence-based recommendations:
- A breast cancer risk assessment for all women by age 25
- Annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40
- Continued screening beyond age 74 when appropriate
Mammogram screening rates in Scotts Bluff County are nearly 20% lower than the national average. Earlier detection often means smaller tumors, fewer lymph node metastases, less aggressive treatment and better survival. The goal is to find cancer before it becomes advanced, when it’s more treatable.
“Detecting breast cancer early could be the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy or no chemotherapy versus chemotherapy. A large number of cancers occur between the ages of 40 and 49, and are oftentimes more aggressive, so finding them at an earlier stage can support better outcomes,” said OPR Scottsbluff radiologist, Dr. Michael Yung.
Dr. Yung is the board-certified radiologist at Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff, providing comprehensive women’s imaging, including 3D mammograms and abbreviated breast MRI, alongside a team of experienced technologists. He shares that OPR Scottsbluff is with their patients at every step of their breast cancer journey. Whether it’s providing annual screening mammograms or working with local providers like Dr. Virginia Tjan, an oncologist at Regional West, and Jodi Danner, radiology manager at Chadron Community Hospital, it ensures each patient is supported through seamless, collaborative cancer care.
“Having options for breast imaging and care is important for patients,” said Dr. Tjan. “Dr. Yung and our team at Regional West maintain open communication when questions come up or procedures need to be reviewed. When physicians collaborate across organizations, it can make a real difference in coordinating patient care. Our community has strong resources for breast cancer care, and patients can choose the providers and facilities where they feel most comfortable.”
While Dr. Tjan highlights the importance of collaboration, patient choice, and continuity of care between providers, Danner shares the importance of having expert care in western Nebraska that keeps patients close to home.
“We’ve worked with Dr. Yung for years, and when he joined Outpatient Radiology, it was important to us that our patients could continue to have access to his expertise in breast imaging,” Danner said.
Patients can receive diagnostic mammograms locally at Chadron Community Hospital, with Dr. Yung reviewing additional imaging as needed. When further evaluation is recommended, Dr. Yung can review the images the same day and communicate results and next-step recommendations directly with the Chadron care team and the patient, helping streamline follow-up care while keeping patients close to home.
“The biggest benefit is that we can keep our patients close to home,” said Danner. They don’t have to travel just to get answers or talk with their radiologist. If a biopsy is needed, they can go to Outpatient Radiology, where they already know Dr. Yung. By that point, they know who they’re seeing and what to expect, which makes what can be a stressful experience feel a little more comfortable.”
Regardless of a patient’s health or history, a mammogram is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Patients who receive their mammogram with Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff experience compassionate care, convenient scheduling, quick results and comprehensive support. See what recent mammogram patients had to say about their experience at OPR Scottsbluff:
“My experience exceeded my expectations. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. I will continue to come here for future mammograms. The radiology technologist was amazing. It was the first time in a long time that it wasn’t too uncomfortable.”
“[The technologists] were very friendly, helpful and explained everything. They made sure they got good images, so I didn’t have to go back. I would recommend them to anyone needing a mammogram! Don’t put it off, ladies, just because you had a bad experience elsewhere.”
Throughout October, OPR Scottsbluff is sharing helpful information about breast care, the importance of screening for breast cancer, and why mammograms are vital to early detection. “TaTas and Taquitos” is a two-night event on Oct. 20 and 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., during which women can receive their mammograms, enjoy a free massage, tasty taquitos and drinks, giveaways, and learn more about prevention and early detection.
Choose Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff for your annual screening mammogram, where your comfort is truly their priority. Their compassionate team is always available to answer questions or address concerns, so you know what to expect during your mammogram. Schedule your screening mammogram by calling 308.281.XRAY or self-schedule online. No doctor’s order required.
