Higher Risk of Breast Cancer? Being Proactive Pays

How Timely Screening Made All the Difference for One Breast Cancer Survivor

PIH Health patient Colleen Verbeck and her husband, Dave.

“I had my annual mammogram six months before my MRI and nothing showed up. When the MRI spotted the cancer, it was very small, and simple to treat.”

At 56 years old, Colleen Verbeck always knew she was at higher risk for breast cancer. After all, her immediate family members all had breast cancer; so she knew she had to take an active role in early detection.

Colleen also knew that she had dense breast tissue, which is normal, but can make mammograms less effective at picking up cancer. After a discussion with her doctor, she was found to be high risk for developing breast cancer. Her doctor ordered a high-risk breast cancer screening every six months— a mammogram first, followed by an MRI six months later.

The plan turned out to be a smart one. During one of her MRI screenings, James Kuo MD, PIH Health radiologist, spotted a small spot in Colleen’s left breast and recommended a biopsy. They detected a 0.7 cm cancerous mass, which was surgically removed. Colleen also started Tamoxifen as follow-up treatment. Today, she’s doing great and is proud to be cancer free for five years.

“I had my annual mammogram six months before my MRI and nothing showed up,” said Colleen. “When the MRI spotted the cancer, it was very small, and simple to treat.”

Colleen’s doctor wholeheartedly agrees.

“Thanks to frequent screenings, Colleen’s cancer was detected at an early enough stage that our team was able to treat her cancer with minimal aggressive interventions,” said Lisa Wang MD, hematologist/oncologist and PIH Health Cancer Program medical director.

It’s important to know that Colleen’s extra precautions are not required for everyone.

“For most women, an annual mammogram is recommended and sufficient for regular screening,” said Dr. Kuo. “However, Colleen’s family history placed her in a high-risk category, so an MRI was recommended in addition to her mammogram. Because Colleen was proactive and stayed on top of her regular screenings, she helped us discover her breast cancer very early, which led to a successful— and possibly—life-saving outcome.”

To schedule your mammogram, visit PIHHealth.org/Mammogram or call 562.906.5692.