During the COVID crisis, people across the nation have been putting their routine procedures and appointments on hold. However, breast cancer is still highly prevalent and annual mammograms are critical in early detection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Advances in mammography, including the invention of FDA-approved digital mammography, can be credited with detecting 80 percent to 90 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms.
OSF recognizes that patients and community members are looking for methods to schedule and receive services in the easiest, safest way possible. Starting August, 3, OSF HealthCare has launched an online self-scheduling tool for screening mammograms. The new online scheduling service for screening mammograms is currently available at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, and OSF Center for Health – Rock Cut in Loves Park, and OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park.
“We are pleased to now offer the ability for our patients to be able to schedule their screening mammography services online,” said Allison Gleason, Women’s Center Supervisor, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. “The process is simple. Patients can do this linked to their My Chart and, therefore, the entire process takes a total of five clicks.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the goal of screening mammography is to find cancer when it is still too small to be felt by breast self-examination or your doctor. Finding small breast cancers early by a screening mammogram greatly improves your chance for successful treatment.
Gleason said this service will meet the needs of patients and their busy schedules, as well as the interest in virtual and touchless processes for necessary services. “Ensuring the safety of our patients and Mission Partners remains a top priority,” said Gleason. “Each OSF facility is taking added precautions to keep those seeking care safe from infection with guidance from the IDPH and CDC. OSF is also monitoring everyone coming into its hospitals and off-site facilities while maintaining physical distancing in waiting areas.”
Visit our website for more information and to schedule your mammogram online in Rockford, Rock Cut or the Metro Region.