According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer in American women after skin cancer. And though the coronavirus pandemic continues, Albany Medical Center’s breast care experts stress that it is safe to schedule a mammogram this year.
“Annual screening mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 but can be sooner depending on risk factors,”said Dr. Beth Whiteside, medical director of Albany Med’s Breast Care Center and a breast radiologist with Community Care Physicians PC.
“Early detection is an important tool in fighting breast cancer and delaying a breast cancer screening can have serious health consequences. We urge patients not to delay their care. We have enhanced protocols in place to ensure that our patients will have a safe and positive experience at our Breast Care Center,” she said.
Prior to visiting a clinic, every patient is screened for possible COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to the virus, following guidelines set forth by the New York State Department of Health and the CDC.
When patients arrive, they will be screened again, their temperatures will be taken and they will be asked to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. All staff members will also be wearing masks. They, too, have their temperatures taken and are screened daily for COVID-19.
In compliance with social distancing guidelines, furniture in waiting rooms has been spaced or blocked off to maintain a six-foot distance, and plexiglass shields have been installed.
Albany Med’s Breast Care Center offers convenient mammography appointments Monday through Friday, beginning as early as 7 a.m. and running through 4 p.m. Call 518-264-9729 to schedule an appointment.
