At right: The Mackinac Straits Hospital mammogram x-ray machine is operated by technologist Karen Myers. Since the summer of 2001, Mackinac Straits Hospital has been offering mammograms, which is an x-ray medical experts consider to be one of the most effective means of early detection of breast cancer. The local program reported a record 717 women receiving a mammogram in 2005, and numbers are nearing that same level this year. Karen Myers, an x-ray technologist specializing in mammography at the St. Ignace hospital, says that's still not enough.

Concerns about pain during the procedure, or even the fear of ultimately finding breast cancer, should not deter women from having a mammogram, she says. Most people who have the exam for the first time report it's not as uncomfortable as they had expected. The benefit of mammography, she adds, is that it can detect breast cancer at a curable stage.

"There are so many women still afraid. They hear it hurts, so they don't want to do it," said Mrs. Myers. "It's still a problem."

Dr. Alice Lindsey, a physician at Mackinac Straits Hospital, who refers patients to Mrs. Myers for the x-ray, said it's important for women to get mammograms because breast cancer, when discovered early enough, is "very curable."

One in eight women in the United States gets breast cancer, said Mrs. Myers.

This year, approximately 212,900 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer nationwide and more than 41,000 of them will die from it, reports Communications Specialist Kelli Kaberle, with the American Cancer Society in Lansing.

"However, if detected at its earliest stages, breast cancer is 98 percent survivable," she said.

"People should not let the fear of breast cancer keep them from having the mammogram," said Dr. Lindsey.

While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, it is not the most common cancer killer of women, said Dr. Lindsey. Lung cancer kills more women because early detection is harder and the chance for survival, therefore, is smaller. Lung cancer has no early symptoms, she said, but breast cancer does, so such an opportunity to be cured is reason enough to get a mammogram.

Some women also are concerned about radiation given off during the x-ray as a reason not to have the test, said Dr. Lindsey.

"A mammogram gives off a very small amount of radiation, and it's very well worth the tiny risk," she said.

Once in the mammography room, the entire process usually takes less than 20 minutes. The actual x-rays, which include two views of each breast, takes approximately 30 seconds. The rest of the time is spent preparing for the xray, developing the x-ray, updating computer information, and reviewing the film to make sure the x-ray is readable, explained Mrs. Myers.

A radiologist at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey reads the x-rays and reports the results to the patient's physician. Mrs. Myers also follows up on each reading.

A mammogram is recommended for women between 35 and 40 years old and when a woman reaches the age of 40 years of age, she should have a mammogram annually, said Mrs. Myers.

Mammograms are about 90 percent successful in detecting breast cancer, so Dr. Lindsey prefers to first provide patients with a clinical breast exam. Then, if something is questionable, she can have additional x-rays taken of the area during the mammogram.

"Although, if they just would get a mammogram, I'd be happy," she said. "If we could get people to come in every year, we could decrease the mortality rate from breast cancer," she said.

Women are advised to perform breast self-exams monthly and get a clinical exam followed by a mammogram annually.The size at which breast cancer can be felt is about one centimeter in size, similar to the size of a pea, and if tests reveal it is cancerous, it's almost always in an early stage and can be curable, said Dr. Lindsey.

Mrs. Myers said she sees women from Mackinac, Chippewa, Luce, and Cheboygan counties. She has 20 years experience as an x-ray technologist and six years performing mammograms.

More information on selfexams and mammograms can be obtained at the hospital from Mrs. Meyers or Dr. Lindsey.