Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2025

citizensmemorial.com 9 How to schedule a mammogram Your yearly routine mammogram, often called a screening mammogram, does not require a referral from your physician. You can schedule a mammogram at the CMH Breast Care Center by calling 417-328-7860 or online through the CMH Patient Portal. Online scheduling instructions 1 Log in to your CMH Patient Portal and click “Schedule Appointment.” 2 Select “Mammogram Screening” and click “Next.” 3 Answer a few questions.* 4 Select the date and time that work best for you. *If you answer “Yes” to any of the questions, call 417-328-7860 to schedule your appointment. Need help paying for a mammogram? Your health plan may cover an annual mammogram. If you are uninsured or concerned about your ability to pay, CMH has partners that can help. The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks and Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women provide free screening mammograms to qualified applicants. Contact your local health department for details. The CMH Breast Care Center has comprehensive services for women at every stage of their lives. Dr. Horner specializes in the interpretation of breast imaging. She works closely with local oncology and surgical physicians to efficiently diagnose and treat breast disease. For more information about the Breast Care Center, call 417-328-7860. When to get screened The American College of Radiology recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer have annual mammograms beginning at age 40. All women should have a risk assessment by age 25 to see if they are at increased risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer or a known genetic mutation, you may benefit from earlier screenings or other preventive measures. Things to keep in mind Mammograms can’t find every cancer. They might also find changes that look like cancer but turn out not to be cancerous after additional testing. Getting called back doesn’t always mean bad news. If something on the mammogram isn’t clear or looks suspicious, the doctor who reads the mammogram will want a second look. You may have another imaging test, such as an ultrasound. But in most cases, there’s nothing to worry about. Know how your breasts usually look and feel. Tell the technologist about any changes you have noticed, such as nipple discharge, pain or lumps. Also, tell them if you have breast implants or a personal or family history of breast cancer. Skip the deodorant. Personal care products such as deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion and perfume can interfere with the mammogram. Many facilities offer wet wipes so you can remove any personal care products from your breasts and armpits before the mammogram. Source: American Cancer Society

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