LVHN is now proudly part of Jefferson Health
La Lehigh Valley Health Network se enorgullece en ser ahora parte de Jefferson Health.
Proudly Part of Jefferson Health
You don’t need to wait for a mammogram after getting the initial COVID-19 vaccine series, a third shot or boosters
The COVID-19 vaccine has made its way onto many of our preventive health care checklists. For some, the shots fall around the same time as screening mammograms are due, creating many questions about when both should be scheduled.
To answer your questions, the team at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute and Lehigh Valley Health Network Breast Health Services has advice:
While earlier guidance recommended scheduling your mammogram before or four to six weeks after any COVID-19 vaccine dose or booster, this is no longer the case.
At this time, individuals are encouraged to promptly schedule any recommended mammograms (screening or diagnostic), regardless of their vaccination history and timeline. While false positives are possible, they can be ruled out quickly. Also, mammograms are one of the most important tools for identifying cancer and should not be delayed.
Individuals born biologically female who are 40 and older should get a mammogram once a year.
However, if you are at high risk for developing breast cancer, you may be advised to start getting screened sooner. Depending on your family history, your physician may recommend genetic testing to evaluate your risk further.
Be sure to discuss your screening eligibility with your physician at your next appointment, especially if you are 40 or older.
Screening for cancer is an important way to help prevent development of certain types of cancer and identify cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. During the pandemic, many individuals delayed their cancer screenings due to concerns for safety and exposure to COVID-19.
While these feelings are understandable, it’s important to know that hospitals and cancer institutes (especially Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute) are taking extra precautions to keep you safe when you come in for your mammograms and other screening tests.
In addition, delaying regular screening can cause a delay in detecting cancer in its earlier stages, which can make a difference in treatment options and possible outcomes.
If you are due for a mammogram or other screening test, don’t delay. If you have additional concerns, be sure to reach out to your doctor’s office for additional support.
It’s easy to get a mammogram through LVHN. If you are at least 40 years old and have not had a mammogram in the past year, you don’t need a prescription or provider referral.
To request an appointment at one of our convenient locations throughout the region, you can call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or schedule online through MyLVHN.org.
LVHN’s Breast Health Services program gives women easy access to the most advanced breast cancer screening technologies.