Missed Out on Your Mammogram During COVID-19? Schedule One Immediately
Importance of Scheduling a Breast Screening in 2021 for Women Who Skipped Mammograms Due to COVID-19
A delayed breast cancer screening due to the pandemic could have severe implications. Regular screening mammograms are a crucial tool for early detection, which increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Targeted by X-rays, mammograms help identify any signs of breast cancer long before symptoms become apparent. In some instances, mammograms can detect cancer months or even years before a woman experiences any noticeable symptoms.
Early detection is vital, as cancer diagnosed at an early stage offers patients the most treatment options and the best prospects for recovery. Breast cancer is the world's leading diagnosed cancer according to the World Health Organization, with more than 685,000 women losing their lives to it in 2020 alone.
In the United States, over 280,000 women are projected to receive a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer this year, along with an additional 50,000 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, an early and non-invasive form of breast cancer.
Significant improvements in breast cancer survival rates were achieved in recent years due to timely diagnosis and treatment. Regular mammograms, particularly for women aged 50 and older, have significantly contributed to this trend.
During the pandemic, healthcare services were disrupted, leading to delayed breast cancer screenings and diagnoses. According to a recent study, there was a nearly 60% drop in the rate of screening mammograms, leaving concerns about missed opportunities for early diagnosis.
Although a brief delay may have minimal impact on an individual's diagnosis and treatment, prolonged delays may result in a later-stage diagnosis requiring more intensive treatment.
When scheduling your mammogram, it is essential to consider the timing of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine-induced lymph node swelling under the arm can sometimes resemble breast cancer symptoms on a mammogram. Ideally, mammograms should be scheduled prior to the vaccine or at least four weeks after receiving the final vaccine dose to enable accurate diagnosis by a radiologist.
In conclusion, timely scheduling of a missed mammogram is crucial for ensuring early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Communicating with healthcare providers about recent vaccinations will help ensure accurate imaging results.
Dr. Laura Shepardson, Diagnostic Radiologist
- Regular health-and-wellness practices, such as scheduling a mammogram, are essential for early detection of medical-conditions like breast cancer, which increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
- Mental-health concerns may arise due to the delay in women's-health screenings, such as breast cancer screenings, as early detection and treatment can provide peace of mind and a better quality of life.
- The World Health Organization has identified breast cancer as the world's leading diagnosed cancer, with more than 685,000 women losing their lives to it in 2020 alone, further emphasizing the importance of regular screenings and early detection.
- In 2021, it is crucial for women who have missed their mammograms due to the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize scheduling these important health screenings, considering the timing of COVID-19 vaccinations to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
