VA NY Harbor Healthcare System

Dr. Kwang Myung

“Mammography is the primary tool for early detection," noted Dr. Kwang Myung, cancer expert at VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. Because breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women, early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.

Dr. Myung noted that VA NYHHS has been offering its patients Digital Mammograms for some time and explained that, “digital mammography provides a better quality image and, most importantly, less radiation to the patient.”

Dr. Myung has been following the American College of Radiology, American Cancer Society, and Society of Breast imaging guide lines that specify that:

Women over the age of 40 are recommended to have a yearly mammogram.

Women who are high risk may start earlier.

“Breast self-exam can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This knowledge may help you identify any breast changes that should be promptly reported to your healthcare professionals,” Dr. Myung said. “Mammograms are uncomfortable because of the compression. Compression is necessary in order to reduce radiation dose to the breast.” He explained further that ultrasound is an additional imaging tool used in cases of dense breasts and palpable abnormalities by physical exam.

Dr. Myung’s work as a physician also extends beyond the VA and into humanitarian outreach overseas. Ten years ago, a friend who is a surgeon closed his private medical office and became a medical missionary in China. This move influenced Dr. Myung to become involved in medical missions abroad. He has found his own way to help those who do not have access to even basic medical care. Encouraged by his friend, with his children out of college, Dr. Myung followed his heart by traveling with Kingdom Pioneer Missions (KPM) to donate his time and clinical skills to needy patients in Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Mexico, Africa, Central Asia, China and other developing countries.