Breast Cancer Screenings: Why & Where to Get a Mammogram

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to show our support for those impacted by breast cancer.

Different types of tests can screen for breast cancer, like mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Mammograms are X-rays that can detect early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are important to identify issues early on when they’re more treatable. You can schedule a mammogram with organizations like Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Breast Health Services or Medical Imaging of Lehigh Valley, P.C. Read on to learn more.

What Tests Screen for Breast Cancer?

There are several tests that can screen for breast cancer:

• Mammograms: Mammograms, X-rays of breast tissue, are incredibly important. They can detect early signs of problems like breast cancer. This gives you a better chance to prevent issues and treat them before they get bigger. Lehigh Valley Health Network recommends annual mammograms for women starting at age 40. Some people may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer. Those individuals may need more frequent screenings or genetic testing.
• MRIs: Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) takes photos with magnets and radio waves. Breast MRIs are paired with mammograms for patients at higher risk of breast cancer.
• Ultrasounds: Breast ultrasounds use sound waves for internal imaging. These pictures are called sonograms.

Where Can I Schedule a Mammogram?

• Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has a Breast Health Services team led by Lori A. Alfonse, DO. Dr. Alfonse is the Deputy Physician in Chief at their Cancer Institute. She focuses on Surgical Oncology. The Breast Health Services program offers 3D mammograms, which you can schedule through their patient portal. This technology can detect breast cancer and other conditions in early stages, when they are more treatable. Their team has performed over 140,000 mammograms and ultrasounds just in the last 12 months!
• Medical Imaging of Lehigh Valley, P.C. is associated with the American Board of Radiology,  LVHN, and Jefferson Health. Their breast imaging specialists work with the LVHN Breast Health Services team. Dr. Martha Ksepka and Dr. Anurita Jajoo are Breast Imagers who offer screening and diagnostic mammograms. They also offer breast ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies. Give them a call to schedule an appointment.

Where Else Can I Find Breast Cancer Support?

• In-Home Care: Here at Griswold Home Care for Lehigh Valley, we provide non-medical in-home care services. Your Griswold Caregiver can help take tasks off your plate. They can be a companion who helps you get to appointments. Caregivers also help with personal care, like toileting, bathing, hygiene, grooming, and dressing. We offer homemaking, too. This includes assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and bedmaking. Let us make your life a little easier
• Support Groups: The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support, programs, events, and volunteer opportunities. The coalition supports survivors and thrivers and contributes to breast cancer research. They have a Breast Cancer Support Group at Cancer Support Community in Allentown! The group meets on the first Monday of each month from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Does Griswold Offer Other Services?

In addition to companionship, personal care, and homemaking, we also focus on services like respite care and live-in care. If you’re a family Caregiver, we can step in so you can take a break. Or, if you have a loved one who would benefit from support around-the-clock, we can help with that too. Use the button below to reach out with any questions.