Dr. Valerie Gorman Releases Article on Breast Cancer Screening

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Dr. Valerie Gorman of the Texas Breast Center released an article this week on the importance of
breast cancer screening. In the article, she discussed different screening methods as well as when
and how often different patients should be screened.

Dr. Gorman discussed on the difference between mammograms, breast MRIs, ultrasounds, and
clinical exams, explaining the pros and cons of each. For example, “Mammography is the easiest
screening test to access and has been found to find DCIS and other breast cancer tumors reliably,
and is best for average-risk women. However, 5-15% of mammograms need a follow-up by
another test for clarification.” These follow-ups usually take the form of one of the other tests
mentioned to get a more detailed look at any abnormalities within the breast or see past dense
breast tissue.

While it is recommended that breast self-checks begin as breasts start development, professional
screening starts later. Depending on personal history, family history, and other risk factors,
clinical breast screening begins around the age of 25.

Dr. Gorman advises speaking with a doctor or medical professional to decide on the best rate and
method of breast cancer screening. Dr. Gorman is a breast surgeon with a specialty in surgical
oncology and surgical diseases in the breast. She is the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of
Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie and is board certified
by the American Board of Surgery. She is committed to keeping her patients fully informed and
offering personalized and targeted breast cancer treatment plans.

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Texas Breast Center Releases Article on The Financial Cost of Breast Cancer

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Texas Breast Center in Waxahachie released an article discussing the cost of breast cancer treatment to patients. In the article, “The Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment: What are the Contributing Factors?” Dr. Valerie Gorman discusses various components that can affect the overall financial burden breast cancer can be.

One of these factors is the kind of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Another factor is the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. For example, “for those with stage 0 cancer, the average cost of treatment at twelve months after diagnosis was $60, 637…[while] at stage IV, the most difficult to treat, the average treatment costs were $134,682 at twelve months.”

Breast Cancer Financial Costs

Health insurance is another factor discussed. Having health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can affect the cost of medications, treatments, and even appointments.

Researchers in North Carolina found that patients who received a cancer diagnosis and did not have insurance or Medicare paid $6,711 for medication, while those with insurance paid $3,616 and those with Medicare paid $3,090 simply because they do not have the means to negotiate for a lower price.

All of these factors come together to cause an average cost of $85,772 per patient within their first year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The number jumps to $103,735 after the second year. While breast cancer is not something anyone wants, it is something to be prepared for, at least financially, if possible. And your medical team is willing to work with you to meet your needs.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, offers a personalized approach to breast cancer treatment, taking into account all the factors that will affect the cost and your ultimate recovery. She serves as the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and she is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

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