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Colon Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults: What You Need to Know

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the world of cancer care: an increasing number of young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Traditionally viewed as a disease affecting older adults, recent data shows that individuals born after 1990 are at a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to previous generations. This unsettling trend calls for greater awareness and proactive steps to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

Rising Incidence: Young adults are experiencing a sharp increase in colorectal cancer cases. Studies reveal that individuals born in 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectal cancer than those born in 1950.
Possible Causes: Factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and disruptions in gut health may contribute to this increase. Additionally, a lack of routine screening among younger individuals has delayed early detection in many cases.
Importance of Early Screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for individuals at average risk. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes.

What Can You Do?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay informed about your family history, and be aware of symptoms like rectal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain. If you’re eligible, schedule a screening to detect potential issues early.

By raising awareness and making informed lifestyle choices, we can combat this troubling trend and protect the health of younger generations.

Read the full editorial feature in the 2025 NJ Top Docs issue of Healthy Living Magazine or here in this post on our website.

In recent years, a startling trend has emerged within the realm of oncology: a growing number of younger individuals are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Specifically, those born after 1990 are seeing an unprecedented rise in cases, which has become a cause for concern within the medical community. Once considered a disease primarily affecting older adults, colorectal cancer is now shifting demographics, and the reasons behind this shift are as complex as they are alarming.

An Unsettling Rise in Numbers

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates have been declining overall in the United States, primarily due to increased awareness, improved screening methods, and advancements in treatment. However, this decline is not universal. The incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily rising. In fact, for those born around 1990, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is twice as high as those born in 1950, and their risk of rectal cancer is quadruple.

This shift is especially concerning given that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While older adults continue to be the most affected group, the sharp rise in diagnoses among younger adults suggests that new factors are at play.

Understanding the Causes

While there is no single definitive explanation for this uptick in cases, researchers have identified several possible contributing factors that may be fueling this trend:

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Western diets, characterized by high consumption of processed meats, red meat, and refined grains, have long been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Over the past several decades, dietary habits have shifted, particularly with the increased availability of highly processed, low-fiber foods. Studies have shown that diets high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, while a lack of these foods may contribute to a higher risk.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyles: The rates of obesity have dramatically increased in younger populations, and obesity is a well-established risk factor for colorectal cancer. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is thought to cause inflammation and hormonal changes that can promote cancer growth. Coupled with sedentary lifestyles, the lack of regular physical activity may further contribute to the rising incidence in younger adults.
Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: The gut microbiome— the trillions of bacteria and microorganisms living in the digestive tract—plays a critical role in overall health, including cancer prevention. Disruptions in the microbiome, often due to poor diet, antibiotic use, or other environmental factors, may lead to increased inflammation, which is a known precursor to cancer development. Research is still ongoing, but this connection could help explain why younger adults are increasingly affected by colorectal cancer.
Delayed Screening and Lack of Awareness: Traditionally, routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45 for those at average risk. However, because colon cancer has been viewed as a disease of older adults, many younger individuals and healthcare providers may not suspect or prioritize screening in this age group. As a result, symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits may be overlooked or attributed to other causes, leading to later-stage diagnoses.

Changing the Narrative Around Screening

Recognizing the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer in younger individuals, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their guidelines to lower the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 for individuals at average risk. This change is significant and aimed at identifying cases earlier when the cancer is more treatable. However, despite this shift, awareness remains a critical issue.

For younger people, especially those with no family history of colorectal cancer, the idea of screening may still seem distant or unnecessary. However, the rising incidence underscores the need for greater vigilance in recognizing symptoms and being proactive about screening, particularly for those who may be at higher risk.

What Can Be Done?

While more research is needed to fully understand why colorectal cancer is increasing in younger populations, there are clear steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk:

Maintain a healthy diet: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and red meat can also help lower cancer risk.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, as regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Know your family history: If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you may need to start screening earlier than the general population. Speak with your healthcare provider about personalized screening recommendations.
Pay attention to symptoms: Rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits should never be ignored, regardless of age. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

The Road Ahead

As the medical community continues to grapple with the growing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults, it’s crucial that both healthcare providers and patients remain aware of the changing dynamics of this disease. Early detection through timely screening, coupled with lifestyle modifications, offers the best hope for reducing the impact of this concerning trend.

By raising awareness and addressing risk factors head-on, we can work toward a future where colorectal cancer no longer claims the lives of so many young individuals. It’s a challenge that demands attention, but with the right strategies in place, it’s one we can meet head-on.

Editorial feature from the 2025 NJ Top Docs Issue of Healthy Living Magazine

Go Pink with Hunterdon Hematology Oncology and Hunterdon Health on October 16th!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology is teaming up with Hunterdon Health to launch a powerful initiative called “Go Pink!” to raise awareness and inspire action in our community. Together, we are making strides in the fight against breast cancer—and we’re calling on YOU to join us.

Mark Your Calendar: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Let’s unite as a community to make an impact! On Wednesday, October 16th, wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, your pink outfit will send a bold message: early detection saves lives.

Why “Go Pink”?

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, but early detection significantly increases the chance of successful treatment. By wearing pink, you’re not only showing solidarity with those who have faced this disease but also helping to spark conversations that could save lives.

The Best Protection is Early Detection

Scheduling regular mammograms is one of the most important steps women can take to protect their health. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, giving patients more treatment options and better outcomes.

We encourage you to remind the women in your life—your mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, co-workers, neighbors, and friends—to schedule their mammogram today. It’s simple to do! Visit www.hhscheduling.org to book an appointment.

Get Involved and Share the Pink Spirit!

We want to see how you, your school, organization, or business are supporting this important cause. On October 16th:

Wear pink and gather your friends, family, or co-workers for a photo.
Share your pink-themed photos with us! Email them to [email protected], and include your first name or your organization, company, or school name.
By submitting your photo, you grant permission for Hunterdon Health to feature it on their social media pages, inspiring others to join the movement.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

At Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, we are committed to delivering the most effective and cutting-edge cancer treatments while maintaining an exceptional quality of care close to home. Events like Go Pink! reflect our dedication not only to treating cancer but also to building awareness and fostering prevention in the communities we serve.

Let’s unite on October 16th to show that together, we can fight breast cancer. Wear pink, spread the word, and encourage those you love to take the vital step of scheduling their mammogram. Every action counts—and your participation matters.

Help spread the pink spirit and raise awareness. Together, we can save lives.

Of all the conditions that may affect you in your life, cancer is by far one of the scariest. Although many types of cancer are treatable, there are not many that have a true cure. Head and neck cancers are just two forms of cancer that may cause irreversible effects if not caught early.

Our team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC helps you when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. If it’s head and neck cancer or another form, our expert team of oncologists and hematologists give you the treatment — and the care — you desperately need.

Cancers that affect your head and neck

Cancer can affect just about any part of your body, including your head and neck. They’re caused by cells that change (mutate) and grow out of control, forming masses called tumors.

When mutated cells grow in your head or neck, it may affect your throat, nose, and mouth. Your salivary glands and sinuses may also be involved. But what’s considered cancer of your head and neck? Here are some examples:

Hypopharyngeal cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer
Salivary gland cancer
Nasal cavity cancer

Cancer may also affect your sinuses, and is called paranasal sinus cancer. Head and neck cancers lead to several different symptoms. Knowing these symptoms may help you identify the cancer early, making it more likely to be treatable.

Symptoms to watch out for

The scary thing about cancer is it sometimes hits without real warning. One day you might be fine, and the next you notice something different. Head and neck cancers are like this as well.

The symptoms of these types of cancer are based on which part of your head or neck is affected. Whether it’s your throat or your nose, there are signs to look out for, including:

Lump in your neck
Sores that don’t heal
Sore throat that doesn’t heal
Chronic cough
Difficulty swallowing
Change in your voice
Frequent nosebleeds

Some of these signs can also be symptoms of less severe conditions like allergies or the common cold. But if you have more than one of these symptoms, or they don’t get better with conservative treatment, you should seek help at our facility as soon as possible.

But what if you could avoid these symptoms all together? Knowing what puts you at risk for head and neck cancers helps you lower your chances of this condition.

Are you at risk?

Head and neck cancers don’t just happen on their own — they’re sometimes caused by other factors that can be controlled. Although not all risk factors are controllable, knowing the ones that are help you avoid head and neck cancer altogether.

Here are six common risk factors for head and neck cancer:

1. Prolonged tobacco use

This is the number one cause of head and neck cancer. In fact, it’s linked to at least 85% of all types of head and neck cancers. Tobacco isn’t just cigarettes; it includes pipe tobacco, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Secondhand smoke also contributes to this disease.

2. Heavy alcohol consumption

Drinking large amounts of alcohol, or drinking alcohol frequently, greatly increases your risk of cancers like esophageal cancer or oropharyngeal cancer.

3. Exposure to the sun

Frequent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays without protection may lead to skin cancer, especially on your lips. However, it may also cause skin cancer in the area of your head and neck.

4. Exposure to HPV

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is linked to certain types of head and neck cancer, especially in your mouth and throat. This is considered a sexually transmitted disease, but can be prevented through the vaccine.

5. Male gender

Men are much more likely, at least 2 to 3 times, to develop head and neck cancers than women. However, if you have other risk factors, gender may not matter as much.

6. Epstein Barr virus

This virus is best known for causing mononucleosis, also called mono. If you contract this virus, your risk of getting nasopharyngeal cancer is greatly increased.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or are worried about your risk of head and neck cancers, call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-788-6461 to schedule an appointment with one of our amazing doctors today.

Breast cancer is a very common type of cancer that affects both women and men — but that doesn’t make it any less scary. This type of cancer can strike at any time, which leaves you feeling vulnerable. However, there are steps you can take to detect early signs of the disease.

At Hunterdon Oncology Hematology, we help you not only understand your specific type of cancer, but all of your treatment options as well. Our board-certified team of oncology and hematology specialists also assists you with breast cancer detection through self breast exams.

Why self exams are important

Self breast exams are the number one way you can stay on top of your breast health — and detect changes as early as possible. Although your doctor usually performs these exams once a year, that isn’t enough to stay ahead of cancer.

So how often should you be performing a breast exam? The simple answer is every month. The best time to do this is after your menstrual cycle, because your breast tissue won’t be swollen and sensitive.

If you no longer have a menstrual cycle, your periods are very sporadic, or you’re a man, you can simply pick the same day every month to do your exam. To make it easy, either pick the first day of each month, or a number that’s special to you so you don’t forget.

How to perform a breast exam

A self breast exam involves you visually inspecting your breasts, as well as feeling each breast for any abnormalities. To perform the visual part of your exam, you’ll want to be in front of a mirror, topless and without a bra. Stand with your hands down at your side, and look for:

Changes in size
Changes in shape
Symmetry
Dimpling or puckering
Inverted nipples

You’ll also want to put your hands on your hips, as well as raise your arms over your head to check for any of the above changes. In addition, make sure to lift each breast and inspect the underside for any abnormalities.

Once you’ve performed the visual exam, manually check your breasts with your fingers for any lumps or changes in your breast tissue. You can do this either in the shower or by lying down on a bed or sofa.

Lying down helps you more easily feel for changes because it allows your breast tissue to flatten out, making a lump more discernible. In the shower, it’s also easier to do a breast exam, because your fingers glide more easily over your breast tissue when you’re lathered with soap and water.

Make sure you manually examine each breast completely. Not only does this help you detect any changes, but it also makes you familiar with how each breast feels, so that each month potential abnormalities are easier to find.

Tips to help you with a self exam

Although self breast exams aren’t necessarily difficult, there are some tips you should learn to make the whole experience a lot easier. Tips that help you detect changes in your breast tissue include:

Use the pads of your fingers

The pads of your fingers are pretty sensitive, making them ideal for finding lumps in your breasts. Use your index, middle, and ring fingers to do your manual exam. If you don’t have good feeling in your finger pads, you can also use your palm or back of those three fingers.

Change your level of pressure

Using different levels of pressure allows you to feel the different depths of your breast tissue. Use a lighter touch to feel the top layer of tissue, and use a heavier touch to feel the tissue closer to your chest wall.

Try not to rush

Self exams only take a couple of minutes, and rushing to get the exam done could lead to missed breast tissue changes. Take your time to do it properly.

Use a pattern

Following a certain pattern during your self exam makes your monthly routine go much more smoothly. It also helps you make sure you check every inch of your breast tissue. You could start at your nipple and move outward, or you could begin at your collarbone and work down.

If, during your exam, you notice any abnormal changes in your breast tissue, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. Although lumps don’t always mean cancer, it’s best to rule it out rather than wait too long.

If you need more information or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-264-1798 to make an appointment. You can also reach out to us by using our online booking tool.

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, responsible for 104,610 new cases this year. It can be treatable if you know what to look for and detect it early. And even though it’s not fully preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology, we aim to keep you as healthy as possible while treating many types of cancer along the way. Our skilled team of oncologists and hematologists specialize in the most up-and-coming cancer treatments, to help you get your life back on track.

Risk factors for colon cancer

Cancer is a terrible disease that can attack at any age. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to decrease your risk, you can’t change things like your family history, genetics, and age. Risk factors you can change include:

Obesity
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Drinking alcohol

The above risks could eventually lead to gene mutations, setting you up for a tumor in your intestine. Many times, tumors start from a polyp in the lining of your colon. At some point, the cells in the polyp start to divide uncontrollably, becoming cancer cells.

These polyps can be found during routine colonoscopy screenings, and removed before they turn into colon cancer. That’s why the CDC recommends regular screenings for men and women from age 50 to age 75.

Symptoms to look out for

In the early stages of colon cancer, you might not have any symptoms. This definitely makes it hard for anyone to figure out that something’s wrong. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms become more apparent. Symptoms in the earlier stages of colon cancer include:

Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating
Bloody stools

You may also notice a change in your bowel movements, including narrow stools or different colored stools than normal. As the disease progresses, your symptoms become more apparent. Late stage symptoms include:

Vomiting
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss

Changes in your stool at this stage last longer than a few weeks, and you might also feel as though your bowels don’t empty the whole way. Getting help as soon as you notice problems helps to increase the likelihood that treatment is successful.

5 tips to reduce your risk

Cancer definitely isn’t something that can be entirely prevented. However, you can make lifestyle changes that greatly decrease your chances of getting certain cancers, including colon cancer. The following are five steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking negatively impacts your health because of the toxins within the smoke. It can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to ward off cancer cells. If you smoke, you’re more likely to develop colon cancer than someone who doesn’t. Quitting decreases your risk. If you need help quitting, reach out to our team, and we can help.

2. Get regular exercise

Along with its other added benefits of staying lean and fit, just 30 minutes a day of exercise can decrease your chances of developing colon cancer.

3. Eat healthy

According to the American Cancer Society, eating healthy foods like whole grains and vegetables reduces your risk of colon cancer. You should limit red meat intake, like beef and lamb, along with processed meats. A healthy diet paired with exercise is an easy step to take to ward off colon cancer.

4. Limit alcohol

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol is a carcinogen. Their studies show that overconsumption of alcoholic beverages increases your risk of developing colon cancer. On average, if you’re a man you should have no more than two drinks per day; a woman should only have one drink per day.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing colon cancer by 30%. This is due to the increased fat content in your body. A sedentary lifestyle leads to excess pounds, so getting active and modifying your diet will help cut your risk significantly.

One of the most important steps you can take to limit your risk for this disease is to get screened regularly. Our doctors will discuss with you how often you need to be screened, depending on if you’re at an average risk or a higher risk. Screening is the first line of defense, as it allows our team to find early signs of cancer and eliminate the problem.

If you’re interested in learning more about reducing your risk for colon cancer, call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-264-1798 to schedule a consultation. You can also reach out to us by using our online booking tool.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is the name given to a group of naturally occurring substances in the body which the body can convert into hormones. The body uses vitamin D to help it utilize calcium and phosphorus in making strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps the immune, muscle, and nervous systems function properly. Chronically low levels of vitamin D in the body can lead to a weakening of the bones and the teeth; this condition is called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Where does Vitamin D come from?

The body naturally makes its own vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun. Sunshine exposure of even small but regular amounts, such as 15 minutes, only 3 times per week, is enough to allow the body to make all the vitamin D it needs. Of course, there is also the now-current knowledge that too much chronic sun exposure greatly increases the risk of skin cancers such as melanomas, so people today tend not to get enough sun to produce their own vitamin D.

Other ways to get enough vitamin D is through certain foods and supplements. Good food sources for vitamin D include salmon, steelhead trout, mackerel, catfish, herring, oysters, sardines, and eggs. The majority of vitamin D is obtained through consumption of “fortified” foods (i.e. the phrase “fortified with vitamin D” is contained somewhere on the food label) such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, and some brands of soymilk. You can also obtain a healthy level of vitamin D through dietary supplements.

Is there a relationship between Vitamin D and Cancer?

There is some data/evidence which suggests that chronically low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk for certain cancers (e.g. breast cancer), and that higher (but not too high) levels of vitamin D may inhibit the incidence or growth of certain cancers (e.g. breast cancer). However, the research study data available for all forms of cancer is not strong, and is not entirely conclusive.

Studies of cancer and tumors in mice have shown that higher levels of vitamin D may slow down or completely prevent the development of cancer. The research studies of human beings have been more inconsistent, mostly due to the focus and structure of the studies involved. Much more follow-up research will be required to firm up the data, evidence, and research conclusions; i.e. to clarify the exact nature of the relationship between vitamin D and human cancers.

What is PSA, and what is a PSA test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen; it is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is produced both by normal as well as malignant prostate gland cells. The PSA test is a blood test which measures the amount or level of PSA in a man’s blood. Because the PSA level tends to be elevated when a man has prostate cancer, the PSA test has been viewed as an important, but not completely determinative, indicator for the presence of prostate cancer. The final determination of whether prostate cancer is present will depend on the outcome of a digital rectal exam (DRE), possibly imaging tests, and ultimately on a prostate biopsy.

Multiple tests are generally required because other, benign conditions can also cause elevated PSA levels. Two of these frequently occurring, non-cancerous conditions include prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate). Presence of either of these does not rule out the existence of cancer, however, so further tests will still be called for to make a final diagnosis.

Does the PSA test determine whether cancer exists?

At one time, the PSA test, together with the DRE, were considered as providing a close to definitive determination of the existence of cancer. PSA results above 4.0ng/mL were regarded as “elevated” and would indicate the need for a prostate biopsy to make a final determination of the presence or absence of cancer.

More recent studies have cast some doubt on that iron-clad sureness. More recent research has demonstrated that some men with PSA levels below 4.0 ng/mL can have cancer, and that many men with elevated levels of PSA do not have cancer. So: what to do? While there are conflicting studies, the overall results indicate that, in general, the higher the PSA level, the greater the risk for cancer. Also, an ongoing, steady rise in PSA level over time is an indicator of elevated prostate cancer risk.

Because of these findings, the new wisdom is “watch and wait.” That is, if the PSA level is “elevated”, the new wisdom is to do PSA tests at regular intervals to see if it remains elevated, or if it continues to rise. If it does, then further tests may be called for, such as a DRE to check for a suspicious lump, and/or imaging tests such as a transrectal ultrasound, x-rays, or cystoscopy.

A final diagnosis still requires a prostate biopsy. This is a surgical procedure during which several samples of prostate tissue are extracted via insertion and withdrawal of hollow needles into the prostate gland. The extracted tissue samples are examined by a pathologist in a laboratory to determine whether or not cancerous cells exist in the prostate.

Does the PSA test have any limitations?

The primary limitation of the PSA test is that even when the PSA level is elevated, and a biopsy is performed, only 25% of men turn out to have prostate cancer. In other words, the PSA test is accurate only 25% of the time. So, by itself, the PSA test is simply not enough. More tests are required to make a final, accurate determination.

Further, sometimes small, slow-growing cancerous tumors are detected. They grow so slowly that they only rarely threaten the patient’s life. Sometimes these tumors are treated unnecessarily via surgery or radiation treatment; this is called “overtreatment”. In this case the patient is subjected unnecessarily to the risks of serious, life-altering side-effects such as urinary incontinence (difficulty or inability to control urine flow), bowel function problems, erectile dysfunction (E.D.), which means difficulty having or maintaining erections, or having erections that are inadequate for sex.

Sometimes, the PSA test can yield what are called “false-positive” results, which means that the PSA level result appears to indicate a significant risk of cancer, but in fact no cancer is present. This can subject the patient and his family unnecessarily to high levels of anxiety and can cause the patient to undergo unnecessary follow-up procedures such as a biopsy, which can bring serious side-effects such as pain, bleeding, and infections.

The opposite case can also happen, which is called a “false-negative” result. In this case, the PSA test levels are low, indicating that no cancer is present, when in fact a cancerous tumor is present. This can give the patient and his family false reassurance and a plan for no further treatment, when in fact the patient requires further treatment.

As you might have concluded, the PSA test situation, in isolation, is complex and somewhat cloudy. It is all-important that you find a top-notch urologist and prostate oncologist to have on your treatment team, and they need to be intimately familiar with the state-of-the-art research findings as well as treatment options. Only through consultation with both doctors will you be able to come up with an appropriate diagnosis procedure and comprehensive treatment plan.

A mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. Women trust Hunterdon Hematology Oncology as part of the Hunterdon Regional Breast Care Program (HRBCP) with regular mammograms and their overall breast health.

The mammograms done at one of several affiliated facilities use a digital format instead of the traditional film mammography you may be used to. This allows the mammogram to be available immediately. A digital image can also be altered and enhanced to allow a more accurate diagnosis and decreases the need for repeat imaging. This information can then be quickly assessed by your medical oncologist at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology and also other potential members of your breast care team which may include a breast surgeon.

Below are some things to expect when getting your mammogram: :

You’ll have to undress above the waist to get a mammogram. You will be given wia wrap to use for your comfort.
For your privacy, you and a nurse are the only ones in the room during the procedure.
During the procedure, the nurse will position your breasts for the mammogram. They will have to flatten your breast on the machine’s plate so that a high-quality digital picture can be obtained..
Due to use of digital imaging, the procedure is much quicker and, you will have limited discomfort compared to a film mammogram. Let your nurse know immediately if you are experiencing any discomfort.

Many of our patients aren’t aware that you should not wear deodorant when getting a mammogram. Most deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum. Aluminum blocks your sweat ducts and prevents you from perspiring. The amount of aluminum in the average bar of deodorant is small, however, even a small amount is enough to interfere with a mammogram.

Aluminum particles in deodorant look like tiny white dots on a mammogram. These dots mimic calcifications, which can be an early sign of breast cancer. Aluminum particles make it difficult to distinguish deodorant aluminum from calcifications.

Regular mammograms are important for your breast health. Here at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology we are happy, as part of the Hunterdon Regional Breast Care program, to ensure that our patients have this coordinated quickly and with ease.

Contact your medical oncologist for any concerns or questions regarding your mammogram. Our staff is also happy to help our patients schedule at one of several local imaging facilities, contact us today.