Early detection and screening for cancer
Regular screening gives you the best chance of finding cancer early when it’s small and before it has spread.
Breast cancer screening
1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, but early detection saves lives.
When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stage, when it's localized to the breast before spreading, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Regular screening mammograms are the best tool for finding cancer early.
Women at average risk should begin regular screening mammograms at age 40.
Talk with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan based on your age, family history, and risk factors.
Your appointment takes less than 30 minutes, with the actual imaging lasting only a few minutes. Here is what you can expect during your visit:
- Private setting: Your screening will take place in a private room with a certified X-ray technician trained specifically in mammography. They will guide you through every step.
- Getting prepared: You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be provided with a comfortable gown or wrap.
- During the screening: The technician will gently position each breast between two plastic plates to take a quick X-ray image.
Following a few simple steps will help ensure your appointment is smooth, comfortable, and accurate:
- Dress for convenience: Wear a two-piece outfit (like pants or a skirt with a top) instead of a dress, as you will only need to remove your clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear during the test.
- Skip body products: On the day of your appointment, do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or perfume. Ingredients in these products can appear on the X-ray image and affect the results.
- Timing matters: Schedule your appointment for the week after your period (if you have not gone through menopause). Breasts are usually less tender during this time, making the exam more comfortable.
- Speak up: Inform your technician about any breast symptoms, changes, or questions you have before the screening begins.
- Bring your provider’s contact information: Have the name and phone number of the healthcare provider who requested the mammogram so we can send your results directly to them.
Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital Breast Care Center
- Address: 750 Wellington Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Schedule: Call 970-298-6900 or visit their website
Grand Junction Diagnostics and Mammography
- Address: 3150 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81506
- Schedule: Call 970-241-6014 or visit their website
Community Hospital Imaging
- Address: 2373 G Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
- Schedule: Call 970-644-3157
Family Health West Imaging and Radiology
- Address: 300 W Ottley Ave, Fruita, CO 81521
- Schedule: Call 970-858-2503
Free and low-cost cancer screenings
- Women's Wellness Connection: Provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible uninsured or underinsured women.
General healthcare and coverage support
- Prime Health+: Affordable medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare services for the community.
- Hilltop Health Access: Local support and trusted guidance to help you find health insurance coverage that fits your budget and needs.
Financial assistance and treatment coverage
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP): Offers financial support for eligible individuals diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, or eligible pre-cancerous conditions.
- Komen Financial Assistance Program: Provides direct financial aid to patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer to assist with living expenses and care costs.
Official guidelines and standards
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): An independent panel of experts that establishes evidence-based national guidelines for preventive health services and screenings.
Additional resources
- BreastCancer.org: Learn about breast cancer risk factors, genetics, lifestyle influences, and what might put you at higher risk.
- Susan G. Komen Patient Care Center: Access free personalized support, educational resources, financial assistance guidance, and patient navigation services.
- National Cancer Institute: Read comprehensive, evidence-based research, clinical trial information, and medical updates from the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research.
- American Cancer Society: Find detailed guides on breast cancer screening guidelines, treatment options, local support groups, and patient services.