The coronavirus pandemic slowed or stopped many things in our everyday life – and with it, many people have avoided or delayed regular doctor’s visits and important annual screenings.
Cancer doesn’t stop because the rest of the world shut down – it continues to grow. With hundreds of thousands of deferred cancer screenings in the U.S., experts worry that months without detection could mean worse outcomes for patients.
National guidelines recommend that women age 40+ have a cancer screening mammogram every year.
Do not delay your annual cancer screening. Radiology centers like Community’s Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center have safety measures in place to keep you safe throughout your appointment.
Things to know for your next mammogram appointment
You’ll be health screened before you enter. The Radin Breast Care Center prescreens all patients and staff for COVID-19 related symptoms including a temperature check.
As always, surfaces are disinfected in between patients. Hospital-grade disinfectants are used on equipment and surfaces to help keep you safe.
Wear your mask. All patients and staff members are required to wear face masks. For a mammogram, you’ll be asked to remove everything from the waist up and put on a gown, but keep your mask on. We also recommend leaving jewelry or any other valuables at home. However, we do offer lockers, should that not be possible.
Social distance in the waiting room. We’ve set up signs and used tape to make sure there’s plenty of space between you and other patients.
Take a pain reliever. Mammograms can be uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive to pain, take some ibuprofen or other pain reliever before your appointment.
Be open and honest with staff. Alert the staff to any open wounds, new bumps or lumps, changes to your skin or your medical history.
Hold your breath and don’t move. You’ll likely be told this so we can get the highest-quality image the first time.
Return to a place you’ve been before. Your records can be transferred, but going to a facility that has your records can be helpful to ensure any changes are tracked and recorded.
We take the safety of our patients and staff very seriously and these safety measures will protect everybody during this pandemic. Please, don’t delay your annual mammogram or any cancer screening – early detection can save your life.