10 VITALITY Summer 2024 Online mammogram scheduling Book your next mammogram appointment at CMH online at citizensmemorial.com. 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, you must call 417-328-6261 to schedule your appointment. Mammograms: Make time for the test In today’s busy world, it’s easy to put off screening tests like mammograms. But if you’re a woman, it’s crucial to remember this: Breast cancer is typically easier to treat when found early. And while mammograms aren’t perfect, these X-rays still are the best tool we have for finding breast cancer in its beginning stages. They can detect breast tumors that are even too tiny to feel. Who should get a mammogram? The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women age 40 and older. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or have screenings more often. Factors that are considered high risk include: ● Having a family history of breast cancer. ● Inheriting a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. ● Having had radiation therapy to the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30. ● Having breasts with a lot of dense tissue. “Breast self-exams are very important, too, but they are no substitute for annual mammograms,” says Jana Horner, M.D., with the CMH Breast Care Center in Bolivar. “They help you learn how your breasts normally look and feel and can alert you to any lumps or changes in your breasts. Let your primary care doctor know if you see or feel anything different or unusual.” Don’t delay If it’s been a while since you’ve had a mammogram, take the time right now to schedule a test. Sticking to a recommended screening schedule is key to early detection of the disease, which helps save lives. Talk to your primary care provider about when and how often you should be screened. Additional sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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