Conemaugh Health System Encourages Women to Schedule Mammograms During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

Throughout the month of October, Conemaugh Health System will be reminding women ages 40 and older to schedule their annual mammograms. A mammogram is a simple screening that can help detect breast cancer early before signs or symptoms appear, when the odds of successful treatment are highest.

Throughout the month, the Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center will be illuminated in pink to raise awareness about the importance of early detection through mammography. The facility is home to the health system’s integrated breast surgery team and accredited as an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

On Oct. 26, women are invited to visit the location for a fall-themed open house from 3 to 6 p.m. with breast health speakers, refreshments, giveaway items, and a raffle drawing.

This month, the Conemaugh Somerset Outpatient Center will launch 3D mammography technology to patients in the Somerset area. 3D mammography provides more detailed images that can improve cancer detection by up to 40 percent. To introduce the technology to the community, the Somerset facility will also host a fall-themed open house on Oct. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. with speakers, refreshments, giveaway items, and a raffle drawing.

While women can self-schedule their annual mammograms through MyChart or by calling (1-800) 999-9675, they are also invited to walk-in during extended hours across the health system on designated days as follows:

• Oct. 13 – Conemaugh Somerset Outpatient Center – 8 to 6 p.m.

• Oct. 21 – Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center – 8 to 6 p.m.

• Oct. 27 – Conemaugh Miners Medical Center – 8 to 4 p.m.

If possible, and when it does not unduly delay care, patients are encouraged to schedule mammograms prior to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or four to six weeks following any dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, as the vaccine can temporarily cause swollen lymph nodes. Swelling is a normal sign of the body building protection against COVID-19. However, it is possible that this swelling could cause a false reading on a mammogram.

Additionally, Conemaugh Cancer Center’s Survivorship Initiative will host two free workshops during October to help address the comprehensive needs of cancer patients in the region. The first workshop, held on Oct. 4, focused on the health and wellbeing of cancer caregivers. On Monday, Oct. 18, the program will host a free gentle, mindful yoga session at 9 a.m. in the Good Samaritan building for patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Conemaugh Health System continues to take all the necessary precautions to keep patients and staff safe. Masks are required at all facilities, social distancing is observed, and the highest level of cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place. All in-person events are subject to change, pending the spread of COVID-19 in the local community.

Conemaugh Health System offers a complete continuum of women’s breast cancer care. From high-risk screening and diagnostic testing, to breast surgery and reconstruction, to radiation oncology and medical oncology, a patient’s entire care team is integrated from detection to survivorship.

The breast surgery program has a dedicated, fellowship-trained radiologist, Kristy Wolfel, DO, who specializes in breast imaging; a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Renée Arlow, MD; breast health provider Brooke Heiple, CRNP, and a breast health nurse navigator, Missy Felton, RN, who guides patients through all stages of the process.