I wouldn't have a problem going if protocols are in place to keep everyone safe. Only approximately 10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations that have been identified to date, so pretty much if you are a woman you are in the risk group for breast cancer.

I don't get mammograms but if I did I would not be afraid to get one. I trust my area's medical facilities to keep me safe from the virus.

Ask the facility where you're going what their safety protocols are. I've had two doctor appointments recently, and many precautions were in place. We're being advised to not put off doctor appointments.

I find it ironic commercials are now urging people to be sure they are tending to their medical needs!! Most hospitals MOST places in the USA are not full up let alone all that busy. They like other businesses need to get on with their BUSINESS. They need the money!!! I guess the answer is where do you live? What's your population density, what's your COVID-19? Here in my town in a second w/o hesitation I would go get a mammogram. Middle of Fl/Az/TX right now--maybe not.

I went for mine last week. When I walked in the hospital lobby, staff asked questions but didn't take my temperature. Everyone had masks on. The COVID cases in my area ( northern lower Michigan) have been minimal lately so I felt it was safe to go.

My appointment originally was scheduled for the end of March and it was rescheduled for next week. I have no qualms about visiting the facility.

I would go without hesitation.

A dear friend of mine had breast removal surgery yesterday, because of cancer. I admire her courage, and calmness about the whole process. She is almost 70.

Moni

I did and never thought twice about it.

Covid is here, it's not leaving us. Yes....I would go.

Absolutely yes, for all the reasons given above.

eta: I would have cancelled in "early days" when processes and equipment were in flux, but we are beyond that now - processes and equipment should be in place.

Actually, in this area, SE Michigan ALL testing that was not 100% necessary for immediate care was canceled. Even when my husband’s cancer was at it’s worse, the doctors were very cautious about him going into a hospital setting because of Covid. I can guarantee you, they would not be offering the services again if they didn’t have processes in place aimed at keeping people safe.

Wear a mask, don’t touch your face, wash and/or sanitize your hands before you leave their office or when you return to your car.

Yes, I would.

Yes, I think so. I am supposed to get one in August. If I can drive myself there and wait in the parking lot until it's my turn. I have a mask and a face shield. I'm going to call and ask the safety protocols. I am thinking about delaying obgyn appointment. Had pap and biopsy last August. I was fine. Might delay. I really don't like that doctor's set up for patients.

I had my baseline one a few weeks ago. And a follow up ultrasound. Did not think twice about it.

I did.

I will when I get back home.

I am more concerned about catching from friends etc. than medical folks. I am not going to any socially distant parties on decks, etc.. Not worth the risk.

No problem. Only a couple of women in the waiting area any time I went, and woman at a time getting it done.

I had mine and my bone scan Monday, one person at a time inside. I was in and out quickly. Temperature check and masks.

Thank you to all for responding. I am now thinking I shall keep the appointment after all. Guess I am just being a Nervous Nellie -- usually I don't mind this procedure.

Got mine on 6/1. With breast cancer in the family, I wasn't going to skip it, since it may be next year before all this is done. They had me check in, wear a mask, have a "hall pass" to go down by radiology, then check into radiology, and finally to the actual part. They took me almost immediately, she wore gloves and a mask, and I was out in a few minutes.

I had my first ever 3D mammo, and first ever with absolutely no pain.

Glad to hear you're thinking to keep the appointment, Roxanna7. Good for you! I totally agree with others, protocals are in place now and basic health care should be attended to.

Yes, I definitely would keep the appt. I need to schedule a bone scan soon. No worries.

Yes, in factI scheduled a mammogram for mid July.

No. No unnecessary testing during the pandemic.

Roxanna, I would still call them and ask. Not knowing their precautions in advance only adds more stress to an already stressful situation but a simple call can remedy that.

I would absolutely go and I am not in a risk category either.

we receive advisory messages from !Medicare and our family practitioner. Both have advised going for routine screenings such as mammograms.

I don’t see any need to worry. It’s only you and the technician during the procedure both wearing masks. Surely everyone else in the facility will be wearing a mask. When you leave clean your hands and relax.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. One in EIGHT! And it’s not just one in eight of the ladies who are overweight, older, post menopausal, didn’t breastfeed, have a family history, or other cancers. It’s all of us. If you are a woman, you are in a risk category. Mammograms are essential. When done regularly they catch deadly, aggressive cancers far earlier than a self exam ever would. Get it, don’t put it off. They save lives. Ask me how I know.

I find the resignation and indifference to COVID "interesting". Be safe, but don't disregard its importance.

Only if I had a reason to.

I live in FL where cases are surging. I would first have to go to the gyn to get the script to get the mammogram. Then get the mammo. Because even in my zip code cases are climbing fast, I have no plans to visit the eye dr or dentists or anything else right now for preventatives. I read an article that most medical offices revenue is down 50% and some have had to lay off people. They send emails that they are open with safety protocols, but they also need the business. If cases are low in your area, I’d consider just doing it because these cases will ebb and flow in areas for months with people bucking masks and going to bars and get togethers

Lisa - if you wanted a mammogram couldn't you call your physician and have them mail you a script or order the mammogram electronically?

It's a regional thing now....some states are doing terribly and I wouldn't go out at all...now our state is doing much better so getting out I view as much less of a problem.

About ordering a mammogram by script, etc. I think it's essential to have a physical exam with palpation as well; it's a matter of "hands on" being a good thing in this case. Had an appointment with my doctor yesterday after spending a week of sheer terror over a lump in my breast. He examined me and reminded me that I'd had this before (how could I forget a thing like this, but I did); it was benign, etc. But am having a mammo next week as it's due anyway. No, I am not worried. Some things are more frightening than Covid; breast cancer is one of them.

Maire I don't know. I always thought you had to get an exam in order to get the script. Since there's mothers to be as patients so far I have stayed away although I would wear a mask.. I'm surprised they haven't sent a reminder postcard or email.

Lisa - my gynecologist retired last year and I had to find a new practice. I called and made an appointment but asked if I could get my mammogram and my bone density scan before my physical exam. That way they would have up to date results in their charts. They mailed me the scripts and after the etests the lab sent the results to my doctor. I always request that they send me the complete physician's report too.

I wouldn't forego the physical exam but this way the physician has recent results to refer to during the exam.

Maire

Lisa, medical offices are by passing a lot of norms in order to get patients what they need and can safely get now. Everyone’s situation is unique so with some, the doctor might say, here’s the referral: go, where as with others, their history may dictate a visit of some type. If the doctor feels an in person visit is safe and in your best interest, she/he may very well ask for you to go in, if it’s not, they may just ask for a televisit (if for no other reason than to satisfy requirements from your insurance provider). Irregardless, you should consult with your caretaker to see what your situation requires.