October is Breast Cancer Awareness month — a good time to think about whether you need a screening mammogram. Breast cancer survivors, survivors of other types of cancer and people who have never had cancer all have different needs when it comes to breast cancer screening. Here’s what you need to know.
Breast cancer survivors should have regular screening as part of their routine care. At Roswell Park, this will be arranged when you’re seen in the Breast Center or the Screening and Survivorship Center.
If you’re a survivor of another type of cancer, you can find out about the types of screening you may need by completing a personal assessment form online. If you need a screening mammogram and have a primary care physician, you may make an appointment without a referral, and your results will be shared with your doctor.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, find out about Roswell Park’s high-risk program, which offers advanced surveillance, screening, diagnostic and preventive methods for women most at risk for breast cancer. To learn more and find out if you qualify, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or complete an online form.
If you’ve never had cancer and are a woman at average risk for breast cancer, Roswell Park recommends that you begin yearly screening mammograms starting at age 40. One out of every eight women will get breast cancer, and routine mammography reduces the risk of death from breast cancer by 30-50%. You can request an appointment directly, without a referral, if you have a primary care physician, and your results will be shared with your doctor.
Roswell Park makes it fast and easy:
- Take advantage of our free, convenient parking in the lot at the corner of Michigan and Carlton streets. (Look for the pink poles.)
- Appointments are available Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Express appointments — which take 30 minutes or less — enable you to leave immediately after your screening and receive a phone call with the results the next day.
