Mammography screening saves lives.聽Every year, mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by 40 percent and cancers are often detected in earlier stages.聽However, both nationally and locally, there has been a considerable聽聽due to COVID-19 pandemic shut downs. 鈥淲e understand that feeling hesitant or fearful about obtaining a screening during this time is normal,鈥� says Reyna Machado, the director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program.聽Now, however, as New York is opening up, it is possible to safely get a mammogram.
Karen Kostroff, M.D., FACS and Chief of Breast Surgery at the聽聽and board member of the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, says, 鈥淲e needed some time to prepare our offices, and put the measures in place so we could care for our patients鈥� safety. Today our breast imaging offices are clean and safe and open for patients. It is very important for women to return for mammography, and not to skip this year.鈥�
The Adelphi program aims to empower people to take control of their health and that includes scheduling their annual mammograms, urging those聽needing to schedule a screening to contact their doctor鈥檚 office today. 鈥淚f you or someone you know has faced job loss and/or lacks health insurance, our Sisters United in Health initiative at 516.877.4336 can connect you with free and/or low-cost mammography screening resources (in English and Spanish), said Angelica Medina, Sisters outreach supervisor.
To reach the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline call 800-877-8077. You are not alone.