Mammograms are necessary, even during a pandemic

Breast cancer is more treatable when it is detected early. That’s why oncologists are voicing concerns about women postponing their mammograms for fear of being exposed to COVID-19.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,” said Rachel Hunter, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at USA Health and an assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “People who typically schedule their annual checkups and mammograms have been pushing them back or foregoing them altogether for fear of contracting the virus at the doctor’s office or because they themselves or family members have been sick and that then became a priority.”

Doctors recommend that most women of average risk for breast cancer get a yearly mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, beginning at age 40. Women who have dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer should consult their doctor for specific screening recommendations. Most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every one or two years with no out-of-pocket costs.

“While a delay of a couple of months in breast cancer screening is generally not problematic, the major concern is when patients skip screening entirely,” Hunter said, adding that missing a mammogram for women who are screened every two years could result in a four-year gap. “Because of this, we are concerned about seeing an increase in patients presenting with later stages of cancer, meaning larger primary tumors at the time of diagnosis and/or cancers that have already spread.”

In the U.S., the number of mammograms performed fell by 57 percent in March, 96 percent in April and 95 percent in May compared with those months in 2019, according to the American Association of Cancer Research. “We have continued to see downward trends in the subsequent months,” Hunter said.

A mammogram may be scheduled at the USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital Breast Care Center located at the Strada Patient Care Center, 1601 Center St., Suite 2G, in Mobile.

Precautions are in place to prevent COVID-19 infection at all USA Health facilities. “All staff and patients are required to wear masks and undergo a screening process that includes taking one’s temperature when entering the building,” Hunter said. “We are also following CDC guidelines and sanitizing rooms between each patient encounter.”

USA Health offers 3D mammogram technology, which combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. Same-day-results are also available. “This allows patients the ability to go from screening mammogram to diagnostic imaging and then to biopsy and even surgery consultant all within one visit,” Hunter said.

Women also are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams in order to detect lumps or changes in breast tissue that may be an indication of cancer.

To schedule a mammogram with USA Health, call 251-415-1660 and choose Option 1.