Is it time for a mammogram?

These tests are best at finding breast cancer early.

Have you put off breast cancer screening because of the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, it’s important now that you get back on track.

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women—ranking behind only skin cancer. When found early, through a routine mammogram, breast cancer can often be effectively treated.

For state-of-the-art screening, Saint Francis Hospital offers 3D mammograms, notes Carla M. Lafferty, director of Imaging and Ancillary Services. A 3D mammogram takes many pictures of the breast, and a computer creates a series of thin image slices (similar to a CT scan), which can show breast tissue in greater detail.

You can get a 3D mammogram at:

• The Saint Francis Hospital campus
• North Wilmington Women’s Center
• Saint Francis Women’s Center Greenhill

According to the American Cancer Society, women 40 and older who are at average risk for breast cancer have the option of starting yearly breast cancer screening with mammograms. Women at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history, may need to start screening earlier.

“Breast cancer screening is one of the areas where women can take control of their health,” Lafferty says.

What to expect

At Saint Francis, the staff will take steps to make you feel comfortable during your mammogram. The test itself takes only about 10 minutes. Both you and your health care provider will receive a copy of the results.

You may be asked to come back for follow-up tests if something abnormal shows up on your screening mammogram.

The important thing to remember is that, many times, these findings do not mean you have cancer. Your provider may prescribe a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound, or, if needed, a breast biopsy. These tests and procedures are all offered at Saint Francis.

Talk to your provider

You will need a prescription from your health care provider to get a mammogram. Talk to your provider, and schedule your test today.

“Many women feel like it’s their role to take care of everyone else,” Lafferty says. “Getting screened for breast cancer allows us to take care of ourselves so that we can continue to be there for everyone else.”