Mercy Southeast emphasizes early breast cancer detection, expands screening options

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms, and health care professionals at Mercy Southeast are encouraging women to prioritize routine screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Melissa Scheeter, a nurse navigator at Mercy Southeast’s Breast Center, said early detection can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery.

“Just because you don’t feel something doesn’t mean there’s not something going on,” Scheeter said. “So the earlier that we can get this cancer detected, the earlier the treatment starts, the easier the treatment is.”

Scheeter recommends women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Those at higher risk may need to begin earlier, depending on factors such as family history, genetic mutations and previous radiation exposure.

Mercy Southeast also operates a high-risk breast clinic for patients who may require additional monitoring. Scheeter said patients with a calculated lifetime breast cancer risk of 20% or greater may qualify for enhanced screening, including breast MRIs and mammograms at alternating six-month intervals.

Advanced technology provides additional screening options

For women with dense breast tissue, Mercy Southeast offers automated whole-breast ultrasound technology to help identify cancers that may be more difficult to detect through mammography alone.

The technology scans the entire breast rather than focusing on one specific area and is used as a supplemental screening tool alongside mammograms.

“It’s picking up about 35% more of the early breast cancers,” Scheeter said. “So it’s a really wonderful addition to our services here at the Breast Center.”

According to Scheeter, Mercy Southeast is the only hospital in the region between St. Louis and Tennessee offering this type of automated whole-breast ultrasound equipment.

The examination takes approximately 15 minutes. During the procedure, a scanning device moves across the breast to capture images of the surrounding tissue.

Scheeter said breast density is an important factor in assessing cancer risk. Federal regulations also require mammography facilities to notify patients about their breast density following screening.

The Breast Center offers contrast-enhanced mammography as another imaging option for certain patients who cannot tolerate an MRI because of discomfort, anxiety or claustrophobia.

Scheeter said the contrast-enhanced procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, compared with some breast MRI examinations that can take up to 45 minutes.

Helping patients access screenings and follow-up care

Beyond screening technology, Mercy Southeast works to help patients navigate the process from initial testing through diagnosis and treatment.

As a nurse navigator, Scheeter coordinates additional imaging, biopsies and surgical consultations when necessary.

She said patients who need further imaging can often receive appointments within a few days, sometimes as soon as the same day or the following day.

For patients facing financial barriers, Mercy Southeast offers financial assistance applications through its website and at the Breast Center.

The hospital also works with its foundation and community resources to help uninsured and underinsured patients access care.

Scheeter encourages women who notice changes in their breasts to contact their health care provider rather than waiting for their next routine screening.

“If you notice something, you know, tell your provider,” Scheeter said. “And it’s as easy as making a phone call, getting you in to see us, whether it be for screenings or diagnostics.”

Although October places additional attention on breast cancer, Scheeter emphasized that prevention and early detection remain important throughout the year.

“This is the month that we advertise it, but breast cancer is year-round,” Scheeter said.

Women can contact Mercy Southeast’s Breast Center to learn more about screening options, risk assessments and available financial assistance.