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Jun 16, 2009 10:00 pm US/Central
New Breast Cancer Test Helps With Early Detection
PLANO (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A new test, available in North Texas, can give women a five year early warning for breast cancer. The test only takes a few minutes and isn't very expensive.
Deneen Tate takes her health seriously and does yearly mammograms, but said she wanted a little extra peace of mind. The 40-year-old Allen resident decided to have the Halo Breast Pap Test done at
Dr. Jeffrey Caruth's office in Plano. "I just thought it would be a good opportunity to be proactive," said Tate.
The machine used for test is much like a breast pump. During the five minute procedure, fluid is extracted from the milk ducts; where most breast cancers originate. According to Dr. Caruth, "If there's fluid obtained from the breast [then] that is sent away for testing. If no fluid is obtained from the breast, then it's a negative test."
The
Halo Breast Pap Test provides early warning, since a woman with abnormal cells detected in the fluid is four to five times more likely to develop breast cancer. "That finding may be as much as five years prior to the time a calcification shows up on a mammogram," explained Dr. Caruth.
Regardless of family history, Dr. Caruth recommends the test for younger women. While insurance doesn't cover the test, the cost is only $75. "Some women are very willing to pay $75 to have that piece of mind and know they're not in the high-risk category for breast cancer," said Dr. Caruth.
Deneen Tate wanted the additional test to supplement her yearly mammograms. Tate was glad to learn that her test came back negative and recommends, "If you're going to take an extra step, to make sure that you're healthy, and be proactive for your health I say definitely do it."
Women who test positive, or have abnormal cells detected in the fluid, have the advantage of early warning and can start minimizing their risk through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Caruth says the test is easily performed during a woman's annual wellness check-up.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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