Screenings are key for survivorship




The Methodist Hopsital | Atascosa radiology team wears purple in honor of Cancer Survivor Month in June. Pictured, l-r, front row, are Jesse Sauceda, Director of Diagnostic Imaging Greg Lilly, Lead Mammographer Kimberly Traeger and Derick Guardados; back row, Marcy Beasley, Kayleigh Wagster, Amanda De La Fuente, Ron Mccomisky, Paul Lopez, Viviano Aguallo and Charly Martin. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

The Methodist Hopsital | Atascosa radiology team wears purple in honor of Cancer Survivor Month in June. Pictured, l-r, front row, are Jesse Sauceda, Director of Diagnostic Imaging Greg Lilly, Lead Mammographer Kimberly Traeger and Derick Guardados; back row, Marcy Beasley, Kayleigh Wagster, Amanda De La Fuente, Ron Mccomisky, Paul Lopez, Viviano Aguallo and Charly Martin. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

June is Cancer Survivors Month, and Methodist Healthcare System is encouraging the community to stay on top of their screenings and learn their risk for cancer. Anyone with cancer is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis; recognizing the signs and symptoms and being proactive in early detection are the key to a better chance of beating cancer.

This month in particular, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa is encouraging women to stay on top of their annual mammograms and to know their risk of breast cancer. Their team of multidisciplinary specialists utilize the latest imaging technology when performing mammograms on patients; they recently added 3D mammogram technology, which offers more detailed scans and diagnostics in a comfortable environment.

According to lead mammographer, Kimberly Traeger, the 3D mammography machine provides a much more detailed image of the breast, and it can see deep into dense breast tissue.

“I can’t say enough good about our machine – it’s amazing. It’s a much more comfortable experience,” said Traeger, who explained that most patients find mammograms uncomfortable. “Most patients that have experienced the new machine like it so much better than older machines. I try to tell my patients to not to be afraid of it; to just come in and have it done because, you know, the alternative of late diagnosis is not great.”

Director of Diagnostic Imaging Greg Lilly and Lead Mammographer Kimberly Traeger with Methodist Hospital | Atascosa’s newest 3D mammogram machine. Schedule your 3D mammogram today by calling 830-769-5338. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Director of Diagnostic Imaging Greg Lilly and Lead Mammographer Kimberly Traeger with Methodist Hospital | Atascosa’s newest 3D mammogram machine. Schedule your 3D mammogram today by calling 830-769-5338. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Prior to the 3D mammogram machine, Methodist Atascosa had a 2D machine.

“We wanted to stay up to date with technology, and the 3D machine is a lot higher quality,” said Greg Lilly, Director of Diagnostic Imaging.

Those interested in scheduling a 3D mammogram at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa must first get a referral by their primary care physician. Traeger explained that the general age they recommend patients start getting mammograms is 40. However, if a patient has a strong family history of breast cancer, they will usually get referred sooner by their doctor.

Scan this QR code for a free online assessment to determine your risk of breast cancer.

Scan this QR code for a free online assessment to determine your risk of breast cancer.

“Early detection is key. Come in for your annual screening because it’s not as bad as what you might think,” said Traeger.

Methodist Hospital | Atascosa also encourages patients to perform regular self-breast exams, at least once a month. According to Traeger, the best time to do so is one week after your menstrual cycle because breasts tend to swell and change during your cycle.

As one of the country’s most trusted providers of adult and pediatric cancer programs since 1993, Methodist Healthcare offers integrated cancer services paired with convenient access and cutting-edge technologies for individuals faced with fighting cancer.

You can call Methodist Hospital | Atascosa at 830-769-5338, and they can help you through the process of scheduling your 3D mammogram. You can also scan the QR code in this story to take a free online assessment to determine your risk of breast cancer, and visit sahealth.com/survivors for information about Methodist Healthcare’s cancer services.

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