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What to expect at a mammogram appointment during the pandemic

Doctors encourage patients to get their mammogram screenings.What to expect at a mammogram appointment during the pandemic

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month', and it can already be nerve-racking to get a mammogram on any day. It can be even more so nerve-racking in the middle of a pandemic.

However, Huntsville Madison Hospital Breast Center Medical Director, Dr. Libby Shadinger, MD, shares what you can expect for a mammogram and how breast cancer patients can stay safe.

"The mammogram process itself; once we are doing image acquisition is the same," she says.

Shadinger says what's changed is the amount of support a patient can bring during their screening. "How many people can come with them to the hospital. How many people can come with you to these appointments to hear the news and to understand - those things are different," she added.

Shadinger also says it's not so much breast cancer that makes someone become more susceptible to the virus, but more so the treatment. "Some treatment that we give for the cancers can make us a little bit more vulnerable at different times in that treatment."

Here's some tips from Shadinger if you're undergoing treatment during the pandemic. 

"Of course the first and foremost advice is always stay in touch with your oncologist to make sure they don't have specific recommendations for your specific case," she says.

Shadinger also encourages breast cancer patients, just like anyone else, to continue to follow CDC guidelines. 

"Mask when you must be around people indoors. If you're outdoors and you can't maintain a safe six-foot distance, mask and try to avoid crowds. Just the things that we've all heard a lot about," says Shadinger.

Shadinger says the Huntsville-Madison Hospital Breast Center follows CDC guidelines by cleaning between patients, both patients and staff wearing masks, and social distancing in the waiting rooms. 

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