Health specialist touts advancements in screenings

COEUR d’ALENE — Since starting her work at Kootenai Health, Dr. Michalina Kupsik has been worried about breast health in North Idaho. 

Idaho is 48th for women ages 40-74 who reported receiving a mammogram in the past two years, according to 2022 data from the United Health Foundation. 

Only about 63% of eligible women had received mammograms. 

“Better cancer care happens when we catch it really early. The best thing you can do is to do your screening,” said Kupsik, a surgical oncologist. “We have so many advances, but where we fall short is access.” 

She said about 9 of 10 women with breast cancer will be survivors. 

Kootenai Health has offered about 17,000 breast cancer screenings so far this year. Out of those screenings, about 150 have resulted in positive breast cancer results.

Kupsik's work focuses on breast cases. She has been able to share her specialization with patients so they know there are more options than just a basic lumpectomy or mastectomy if they receive a breast cancer diagnosis. 

“I like to emphasize different options. We can rearrange breast tissue for lumpectomy so you don’t have a divot and partner with plastic surgeons for flat aesthetic closure or a mastectomy with reconstruction,” Kupsik said. 

Many advancements have been made when it comes to breast cancer and dealing with underarm lymph nodes. 

“Historically, all of those lymph nodes used to come out,” Kupsik said. “When you do that big surgery that used to be the standard of care, it would damage the lymphatic flow of the arm.”  

The lymphatic system collects excess fluid from your body’s tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes also help fight infections. When lymph nodes in the underarms are removed as part of a mastectomy, fluid is more likely to back up and cause swelling of the hand or arm. 

Kusik calls the result a “life-long problem” that can be reversed to some extent with extensive therapy and precautionary measures. 

“We've de-escalated that big surgery, very few people need it now and we keep finding more and more ways to de-escalate it,” Kupsik said. “Now, when we have a positive lymph node, we have some options.” 

Kupsik said about one in 100 breast cancer cases involves men.   

“Breast cancer in men tends to be caught at a much later stage," he said.

Because there is less awareness about the risks of men getting breast cancer, a lump may not be caught until later on. 

Having a close family member get breast cancer at a young age can rate the likelihood of getting breast cancer. Other genetic factors may also play a part. 

Kupsik recommends people see their doctors to learn if they are considered high-risk and potentially get a referral to a clinic that can do an enhanced screening.

Regular imaging and check-ups should be enough for most patients to catch something early on. 

“Don’t stress out,” Kupsik said. “The most important thing is just to be aware of how your breasts feel and look and if there is a change, go see your doctor."

    Dr. Michalina Kupsik and mammalogy technologist Jessica May talk about different presentations of breasts cancer at Kootenai Health.