Schedule your yearly screening mammogram at Gifford by contacting our Radiology Department at (802) 728-2214.
During breast cancer awareness month Gifford’s Breast Care Navigator, Jennifer Hubert, reminds you of the importance of regular breast self-exams and mammograms. According to the American College of Radiology’s guidelines, women should start having mammograms annually starting at age 40.
“There’s a lot of information out there about when is the right time to start having mammograms,” Hubert said. “This should be a conversation between the patient and her provider, but our team at Gifford believes starting at age 40 is the best.”
Hubert has worked in mammography since 2005 and became a certified breast cancer navigator in the spring of 2021, her work includes supporting Gifford patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Mammography has a reputation of being painful, but we call it discomfort. We are highly trained and work with you on repositioning techniques to ease the discomfort.”
Gifford uses Mammo Pads, a foam pad that goes between the imaging receptor and breast.
Monthly self-checks are also encouraged. The best time to do it is in the shower using your soapy fingers to feel around the breast for something that may seem different than regular tissue.
“Be familiar with your breast tissue, then it will be much easier to recognize when something doesn’t feel right,” Hubert said.
Gifford encourages you to schedule your mammogram now. Any patient who receives a mammogram at Gifford during October receives a goodie bag and is entered into a raffle to win a gift basket.
Anyone can get breast cancer, regardless of family history or the size of the breast. Please feel free to contact our Breast Care Navigator Jennifer Hubert at (802) 728-2231 with any questions or concerns about the mammography process.
