Iowa Radiology is proud to announce the arrival of abbreviated breast MRI, the latest advance in breast cancer screening technology. Breast MRI allows radiologists to more accurately detect early-stage breast cancers, especially in patients with dense breasts. However, traditional breast MRI comes with a high cost that insurance companies typically cover only for patients who are at significantly elevated risk of breast cancer. The abbreviated breast MRI exam is much quicker and less expensive than a traditional MRI, but it can detect even very small cancers with similar accuracy.

National Cancer Survivors Day

The first Sunday in June, we celebrate life with National Cancer Survivors Day. Each year, there is more reason to celebrate as people survive cancer at higher and higher rates. From 1991 to 2016, deaths from cancer plummeted 27%, saving more than 2.6 million lives. As of January of this year, 5% of the US population—16.9 million people—are cancer survivors, 67% of whom have survived at least five years after their diagnosis. To continue this positive trend, it’s essential that we continue to prioritize cancer research and help to ensure that patients get access to the quality care that they need.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2019, more than 80,000 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., and more than 17,000 Americans will die of the illness. Approximately 1 in 27 men and 1 in 89 women develop bladder cancer at some point in their lives.

March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and is expected to claim more than 50,000 lives this year. Enhanced screening and treatment have helped to lower colorectal cancer’s overall mortality rate during the past several decades; however, it’s been gradually rising among people under age 55. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, learn what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially devastating effects of colorectal cancer.

Because 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, it’s important to understand the basics about breast health. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., claiming more than 40,000 lives annually. Although genetics can play a role in the development of breast cancer, approximately 85% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history of the illness. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself. 

January is National Radon Action Month. Learn what you should know about radon and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is radon?

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is released naturally with the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It’s found everywhere on the earth in varying concentrations.

What is invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)?

Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast and subsequently spreads to surrounding tissues. The second most common form of breast cancer in the U.S. (after invasive ductal carcinoma), ILC accounts for 10–15% of invasive breast cancers.[1]

What is lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)?

LCIS refers to abnormal cell growth in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast. In contrast to invasive lobular carcinoma, LCIS remains contained within the lobules without spreading beyond its original site. While it’s most commonly found in women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, LCIS affects women of all ages.[1]

What is invasive ductal carcinoma?

The most common form of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) accounts for about 80% of all breast cancers.[1] Like ductal carcinoma in situ, IDC begins in the milk ducts. Rather than remaining contained there, however, IDC spreads outside the milk ducts to infiltrate other tissues.

Getting called back after your mammogram for follow-up can be stressful and worrying—even more so if you’re not sure what the results of your follow-up tests may mean for your health. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most commonly diagnosed form of non-invasive breast cancer, accounting for about 1 in 5 breast cancer cases. Each year, approximately 60,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with DCIS.[1] Learn what you should know if you or someone you love is touched by this condition.