Oct. 5, 2020
Despite breakthroughs in treatments, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women of all races and ethnicities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both Black and white women get breast cancer at about the same rate but Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than white women. Due to disparities in access to breast cancer screening, Black and Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than white women. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians at Parkland Health & Hospital System say women should not put off their annual screening mammogram.
“COVID-19 has been with us for more than 7 months and will be around for quite a while longer. We know that breast cancer is more survivable when diagnosed and treated early. Screening mammograms find breast cancer at its earliest stage, when it is more treatable,” said Jessica Porembka, MD, Medical Director of Breast Imaging and Quality Assurance at Parkland. “That’s why we don’t want women to postpone mammogram screenings during the pandemic. At Parkland, we’ve taken many COVID-19 precautions to ensure patients and staff are safe.”
Among those precautions are screening for COVID-19 symptoms of everyone entering any Parkland facility, mandatory use of face masks for everyone at all times, limited seating and spacing out of appointments for social distancing in clinics and mobile mammography units, including in waiting areas and dressing rooms.
“Routine mammogram screenings save lives,” said Dr. Porembka. “Most women aged 40 and older should get a screening mammogram every year. Women at increased risk for breast cancer may need more frequent screening starting at a younger age. Getting routine screening mammograms is an important part of maintaining your overall health and protecting yourself from breast cancer.”
Parkland will offer no-cost mobile mammography throughout Dallas County during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m at the locations below. To register and ensure your eligibility for no-cost mammograms, please call 214-266-3327.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020
Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5004 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas 75241
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020
Mexican Consulate Binational Health Fair, 1210 River Bend Dr., Dallas, 75247
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020
Oak Cliff Family YMCA, 6701 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas, 75232
Parkland mammography specialists shared five tips to prepare for your next mammogram:
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