Throughout 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. OSF HealthCare has launched an online self-scheduling tool for screening mammograms that is now available at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center, OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and OSF Center for Health-Streator.
“We are pleased to offer the ability for our patients to be able to schedule their screening mammography services online,” said Dawn Trompeter, President. “The process is simple. Patients can do this linked to their OSF MyChart account and, therefore, the entire process takes a total of five clicks.”
Trompeter 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 Trompeter. “We are taking additional precautions with guidance from the CDC and IDPH to keep our patients safe. OSF is also screening everyone coming into the hospital while maintaining physical distancing in waiting areas.”
In addition to the new online scheduling feature, OSF HealthCare Saint Paul, OSF Saint Elizabeth and the OSF Center for Health in Streator will once again bring light to the fight. Throughout the month of October, the hospital will install pink spotlights to help shine a light on the community’s commitment to fighting breast cancer as well as to honor those who are battling the disease.
Go to www.osfhealthcare.org/mammo for more information and to schedule your mammogram online in Mendota, Ottawa or Streator.