TIPS ON BOOKING A MAMMOGRAM
No one likes getting their titties squished, but screening mammograms can save your life. See why are mammograms important and tips below.
Women in the United States have a 13% chance of developing breast cancer.
Source:American Cancer Society "Key Statistics for Breast Cancer"
Breast cancer accounts for about 1 in 3 of all new female cancers each year.
Source:BreastCancer.org "Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics"
Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer at any age than white women. Plus, the mortality rate from breast cancer for Black women under 50 is double that of white women the same age.
Source:American Cancer Society "Breast Cancer Death Rates Are Highest for Black Women—Again"
The 5-year relative survival rate for cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99%
Source:National Breast Cancer Society "Breast Cancer Facts & Stats"
Mammograms don't prevent breast cancer, but they save lives by detecting breast cancer as early as possible.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening mammograms every two years for women between ages 40 and 74 who have an average risk of breast cancer.
BOOKING A MAMMOGRAM IN NYC
If you have insurance
Book a mammogram at an imaging facility or hospital covered by your healthcare insurance. Most insurance plans cover cancer preventive services, such as a mammogram, without a copay. You'll need to get a referral from your general practitioner or OB/GYN doctor to make the appointment.
If you don't have insurance
If you need to find a low- or no-cost mammogram site, call 311 to find a screening near you. You can also contact the New York State Cancer Services Program, which provides breast cancer screening to uninsured New Yorkers.
If you live in New York City, are 40 or older and have not had a mammogram in the past year, you can get a free mammogram at the American-Italian Cancer Foundation's Mobile Care Clinic.
SCHEDULING CONSIDERATIONS
Schedule your mammogram for when your breasts aren't likely to be tender or swollen, to help reduce discomfort and get good images. Try to avoid the week just before your period.
If you experience scanxiety, try to schedule your scan for early in the morning. You may not need to wait as long, and you’ll have less time to get anxious
CHOOSING AN IMAGING FACILITY
- If you have a choice, go to a facility that specializes in mammograms and does many of them every day.
- Try to go to the same facility every time so that your mammograms can easily be compared from year to year.
- If you're going to a facility for the first time, bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or any other breast procedures you've had before. Be sure to check the facility is in network with your health insurance.
- If you've had mammograms at another facility, try to get those records to bring with you to the new facility (or have them sent there) so the old pictures can be compared to the new ones.
IMAGING FACILITY CARE TEAM
Your care team at imaging facilities include a radiologic technologist who performs the exam, and a radiologist who reviews the resulting images. For Breast MRIs, a nurse maybe present to administer IV contrast to makes the tissues or blood vessels on the MRI pictures easier to see.
If you experience scanxiety, make an appointment to talk with your care team 1 to 2 weeks before your scan. If you cannot see them in person, schedule a phone call. If you have questions, have them with you during the appointment.
Tell your care team about your concerns. If you're worried about your scan, they can help you prepare to be more comfortable and relaxed.
DENSE BREASTS
If you have dense breasts or are under age 50, try to get a digital mammogram. You may need to get a breast ultrasound in addition to the mammogram.
Talk to your doctor about the type of tests you need to book for your screening.
UNDERSTANDING CALLBACKS
Out of 100 women, 10 will get call backs.
A callback doesn't necessarily mean you have breast cancer. It just means that the doctors have found something they want to look at more closely. So, take a breath and don’t assume the worst until you’ve had a chance to speak with your doctor.