Submitted by The Woman’s Clinic
Every October, pink ribbons remind us that breast cancer touches nearly every family. In Mississippi, the stakes are especially high. Roughly 400 women in our state die from breast cancer each year. Behind that number are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. The most powerful tool we have against those odds is not new or complicated. It is early detection.
When breast cancer is found early, before it spreads, treatment is more effective, and options are broader. The challenge is that early breast cancer rarely announces itself. It often causes no pain and no obvious lump. A woman can feel completely healthy while a small cancer grows silently. That is exactly why regular screening matters, even when nothing feels wrong.
At The Woman’s Clinic Breast Center in Jackson, we have built our program around finding cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. We combine two advanced imaging technologies to give women a clearer, more complete picture of their breast health.
The first is 3D mammography from Hologic. Unlike traditional flat images, 3D mammography captures the breast in thin layers. This helps our radiologists see through overlapping tissue, catch small abnormalities sooner, and reduce false alarms that lead to unnecessary callbacks.
The second is the GE Invenia Automated Breast Ultrasound System, known as ABUS. For women with dense breast tissue, mammograms alone can miss cancers hidden within that density. ABUS uses sound waves to add a valuable second layer of screening, improving detection when it counts most.
Guiding this technology is Dr. Susan Shamburger, our breast imaging radiologist. Advanced machines matter, but expert interpretation is what turns images into answers. Dr. Shamburger reads each study with a trained, careful eye, and our team supports every patient with the compassion this moment deserves. We know a screening can feel stressful. Our goal is to make it calm, respectful, and reassuring from the moment you walk in.
Screening guidelines can feel confusing, so here is a simple starting point. Most women should begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer, dense tissue, or other risk factors may need to start earlier or add ABUS screening. Monthly self-exams are also valuable at any age. If you notice a lump, thickening, skin changes, or anything unusual, do not wait. Call us.
The hardest part is often simply making the appointment. Life is busy, and it is easy to put your own health last. This October, we encourage you to move it back to the top of the list. One appointment can bring peace of mind, and if something is found, early action can save your life.
You do not have to face it alone. Our team is here to guide you with expertise and genuine care, every step of the way.
To schedule your mammogram, call The Woman’s Clinic Breast Center at 601-354-0869, ext. 4039, or visit twc-ms.com.
