According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, early detection through tools such as 3D mammography machines help women battle and overcome the disease.

In Grand County, Middle Park Health recently received its own 3D mammography machine at their Granby campus, to replace their 2D machine. The new machine cost $336,000, said Middle Park Director of Business Development Tiffany Freitag.

Robbie Gregorius is the new Xray technician and mammographer at MPH’s Granby campus.  She uses the mammography machine to do both a 3D sweep and a 2D sweep during the exam, which takes about a minute.

On Aug. 13, staff performed the first mammogram with new Hologic Selenia Dimensions mammography system. Through the month of October, women who get an exam receive a pink swag bag with goodies.

Why should you schedule a mammogram?

Jessica Wilson, MPH director of radiology, discussed why it’s important to get a mammogram with a 3D machine, since it is the new standard of care for breast cancer detection. 3D gives 48% more information than 2D.

“This is wonderful, both for early detection— which is always the goal — but also for women with dense breasts,” explained Wilson. “That amount of information can prevent unnecessary additional imaging that they may have formerly had to go to through because the radiologist couldn’t see all those different layers in the breast.”

Wilson said it’s recommended that women 40 and older take a mammogram once a year. For women who have risk factors, such as breast cancer running in the family, it’s best schedule earlier than 40.  

“You can discuss that with your primary care physician, and they can advise you on what’s the standard of care for your specific situation,” Wilson said for those who might be at risk.

Mammograms are offered in Granby on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. Call 970-887-5886 to get scheduled.

Beating breast cancer if you are diagnosed

Middle Park Health shared some statistics about the importance of early detection in recovery:

High survival rate: When breast cancer is detected at early, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. 

Easier to treat: Early-stage cancers are generally smaller and have not spread to other parts of the body, making them easier to treat successfully. 

More treatment options: Early detection allows for a wider range of treatment options. 

Reduced invasiveness: Less aggressive treatments like lumpectomy (removing only the tumor) may be possible instead of a mastectomy (removing the entire breast).  

Middle Park Medical Foundation helped make purchase possible

Wilson and Freitag thanked the Middle Park Medical Foundation, which held a capital campaign to purchase the 3D machine. Freitag added that generous donors also helped.

Donation for the cost of machine are still welcome; community members can donate by visiting MiddleParkMedicalFoundation.org, clicking on “donate” and choosing the mammography machine as their gift designation.

Tiffany Freitag, Middle Park Health’s director of business development, added that the upgraded machine supports MPH’s goal of keeping care for residents within Grand County.

“One of Middle Park’s biggest goals is to keep as much care locally as we can; we’re at least an hour and a half, if not longer, from a lot of the additional services,” Freitag said. “To bring this 3D machine to Grand County … prevents women from driving down to Denver or other communities.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognization of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to support those affected by the disease, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office deputies and staff will wear pink patches and pink shirts as part of their uniform.

“Wearing pink serves as a visual reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention in the fight against breast cancer and the need for continued community conversation and support for those facing this challenge,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Taking Steps for Cancer is a local fundraising organization, in partnership with Mountain Family Center. They are providing cancer support groups to those who have received a diagnosis. Meetings for both a coed group and women’s only group kicked off in October.

The Women’s Only Support Group meets the first and third Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The coed group meets the second and fourth Fridays from 4-6 p.m. Meetings are at Granby Library Community Room; no RSVP is required.