Early Detection Makes a Difference

“Get your mammo!” stressed Catherine “Cat” Moore, X-Ray Tech at NorthShore Health Centers, while discussing the importance of early and regular screenings. Mammograms are particularly important to Moore, not only because she is training to become a Mammographer, but also because her most recent scan showed a potential cancerous spot.

When NorthShore acquired a new Mammography machine, the opportunity for Cat to pursue further training opened up. “I had been thinking about training to become a Mammographer,” she shared, “The timing was perfect.” She soon began her schooling, which included running trial mammograms on volunteer patients. “We needed 25 volunteers,” Cat went on to say, “I hadn’t had one since 2006 and don’t have any family history of breast cancer, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to get my scan a bit earlier than normal.”

Little did Cat know just how important that screening would be. “During the procedure, the techs pointed to the screen and looked at each other,” said Cat, “That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.” The test showed a spiculated mass with calcifications, indicative of a tumor. No official diagnosis has been made but Cat will have the lump removed on January 27th to determine whether or not it is cancer.

“If the new machine had not come in, if I hadn’t gotten a mammogram when I did, I would’ve waited too long,” shared Cat, “If anybody were to get cancer, they’d want it at this stage, it’s early.”

Whatever the diagnosis turns out to be, Moore is not sitting back and feeling sorry about her condition; she has turned into even more of an advocate for breast screenings. “This experience has prompted my family members to get tested,” Cat stated, “I’m the first case in my family, so it’s important.” Cat emphasized the importance of early detection, as cancer is more treatable when caught right away. “You still have life left if it’s caught early…watch your kids, your grandkids grow up.”

Most doctors recommend all women have a mammogram done at age 35, with or without a family history of breast cancer. Then starting at age 40, women should get tested every 1 to 2 years, with yearly tests after age 50. For those with a family history of the disease, whether it is your mother, aunt, sister or grandmother who had breast cancer, it is recommended that screenings began at age 30.

“I love mammography,” Cat smiled, “I thank every woman who comes here for coming in.”