This quick and easy screening is the best way to detect breast cancer at an early and very treatable stage.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month — a good time to think about whether you need a screening mammogram. All women are at risk for developing breast cancer and one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Routine mammography reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30% to 50%.
Getting a screening mammogram, essentially an x-ray of the breasts, is the best way to detect the disease early, when treatment is most effective and survival is very high. 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.
For woman at average risk for breast cancer, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center recommends you begin yearly screening mammograms starting at age 40. 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. If you've been told that you have dense breast tissue, which can increase your risk, you may need an ultrasound exam in addition to your mammogram as as part of your yearly screening.
Roswell Park makes it fast and easy:
- Two convenient locations, in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, to receive your mammogram from Roswell Park experts. Both locations have free onsite parking.
- Appointments are available Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m and 4 p.m.
- Screening appointments take about 30 minutes or less.
- Extended hours for screening mammogram appointments are available in October, for patients who are unable to schedule a mammogram during our regular hours of operation.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, find out about Roswell Park’s High Risk Breast Cancer 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.
Cancer survivors should have regular screening as part of their routine care. If you were treated at Roswell Park, this will be arranged as part of your ongoing survivorship care. Anyone with a history of cancer can learn more about the cancer screenings 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.
Get your mammogram where the experts are
Don't delay. Schedule your mammogram today.
