Breast Cancer Screenings Should Not Be Delayed Due to COVID-19

10/18/2021

Breast cancer and other medical illnesses remain a risk for women - even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, due to concerns about the virus, many women have postponed their annual screening mammograms, increasing their risk of undetected cancer. Commonwealth Health is encouraging women who may have delayed their mammograms to schedule the screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.

“When screenings are delayed, diagnosis is delayed, and treatment is delayed,” said Christine Phillips, D.O., obstetrics and gynecology. “But the best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment. Women should not be afraid to get a mammogram, I get one every year. Many stringent safety precautions have been put in place in our imaging center to protect everyone from COVID-19, so as a doctor, and a woman, I’m telling you - if you’ve put off a mammogram, don’t put it off any longer.”

Early Detection Saves Lives
Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have yearly mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent.

Here in Pennsylvania, 254,744 new cases of new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2018, the most recent year data is available.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that all women, particularly African American and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening earlier than age 40 is needed. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI.

For women of average risk, the ACR and SBI recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Safety Measures to Protect Against COVID-19
Commonwealth Health is taking extraordinary measures to provide COVID-safe care for the protection of our patients, our caregivers and the community. Our entry points may be limited, and all who enter our facilities are asked to verify that they do not have COVID symptoms or recent exposure to the virus. This includes patients, visitors, and employees. Facemasks are still required and our caregivers continue to use other appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) along with hand washing before and after each patient.

Our normal deep cleaning processes are already intense and designed to protect people in our hospital. We are cleaning with increased frequency and taking extra measures whenever necessary. Efforts also have been made to enable social distancing, by rearranging furniture, reducing time in waiting rooms, and limiting the number of people in certain areas. Strict safety standards are always a top priority so that you can come to us confidently – knowing we are here for you, a safe place, and ready to provide the care you need.

Commonwealth Health offers 4 convenient locations for mammograms - Dunmore, Kingston, Pittston and Mountain Top. For more information on mammogram locations or to find an OBGYN or primary care physician call 1-800-838-WELL (9355). Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Geisinger Health Plan.

Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital have recently partnered with MDsave to help patients save money on their annual mammogram screenings. From September 9 until October 31, patients looking for affordable mammogram screening services can purchase a 2D or 3D Mammogram screening voucher for only $99 through MDsave.

To find out more, visit:
Wilkes-Barre General's MDsave
Moses Taylor Hospital's MDsave