This Mother’s Day, as we look forward to celebrating all the women in our lives who have supported us, let’s do our part to keep healthy and in-the-know regarding the basics of women and breast health. The Breast Center at Palisades Medical Center, located at 7650 River Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 240 in North Bergen, provides breast cancer screening, diagnosis, surgical intervention, and support services from an expert team. Keep reading to learn about 5 tips to prepare for your next mammogram, according to Hackensack Meridian Health.
Schedule your mammogram with The Breast Center at Palisades Medical Center, located at 7650 River Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 240 in North Bergen, by calling 201-295-4800.
An Annual Mammogram is Encouraged for Early Detection
Thanks to early detection tools, advances in treatment, and improvements in the quality of life for people living with breast cancer, a diagnosis doesn’t have to be devastating. The five-year survival rate for people with breast cancer is 89 percent, according to the American Cancer Society, but the stage during which the cancer is detected is critical. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the survival rates — and the more options a patient has for treatment.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
Preparing for a mammogram in the correct way can help to reduce anxiety about the procedure and provide more accurate results. Consider these important tips when you prepare for your next mammogram appointment.
Schedule the test to occur one week after your period. If you haven’t gone through menopause, your breasts are most likely to be sensitive or tender the week before and the week during your period. The best time for a mammogram is usually one week following your period when your breasts aren’t as tender.
Consider pain medication if you find that having a mammogram is uncomfortable. Taking over-the-counter acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, about an hour before your mammogram might ease the discomfort of the test. Check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Wear a two-piece outfit. That way you’ll only have to remove your top and bra. You will be given a robe to wear, but you’ll feel less exposed being able to keep your bottoms on.
Leave any neck jewelry at home. Anything around the neck will interfere with obtaining clear x-ray images of your breasts. Do not risk having neck jewelry lost because you have to remove it.
Choose a certified mammography facility and preferably a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. That way, if you need any additional imaging or a biopsy you will not need to go anywhere else.
Compassionate Care at The Comprehensive Breast Center
The Breast Center at Palisades Medical Center, located in North Bergen, offers 3D digital mammograms, screening and diagnostic breast ultrasounds, and a second opinion program to review outside films. In addition to these diagnostic services, routine screening mammograms are available during evening and weekend hours, making it easy to schedule a time that works in your schedule.
If a biopsy is required, the team can perform a minimally invasive procedure using one of several techniques. Medical professionals understand the stress of waiting for a biopsy, so same-day biopsies are often available to lessen anxiety and expedite results.
Treatment services include breast cancer surgery performed at Palisades Medical Center including oncoplastic “hidden scar” surgery, to achieve the best cosmetic result possible, and breast reconstruction, including approaches that rebuild a breast from a patient’s own natural tissue. For qualifying patients, anti-cancer therapies are offered on-site including chemotherapy, antibody/immunotherapy, and anti-endocrine therapy.
Rehabilitation services are available for those undergoing treatment for cancer, just completing treatment, or struggling with post-treatment. The rehabilitation team includes certified Lymphedema Therapists and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation specialists to ensure patients are in expert hands throughout the entire process.
A Convenient, Neighborhood Location
Patients at the Comprehensive Breast Center at Palisades Medical Center receive personalized care from a compassionate and experienced team who are attentive at every step of the way.
Keri Borsella, Director of the Breast Center, and Alexa Salamon, Operations Manager are involved in the daily operations of the center, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. The medical staff includes Gail Starr, M.D., M.S.Ed. the Chief of Breast Imaging; Deena Atieh Graham, M.D., the Medical Co-Director of Oncology; and Ann Chuang, M.D., the Director of Breast Surgery.
Don’t forget to call 201-295-4800 to make an appointment at the Comprehensive Breast Center at Palisades Medical Center, located at 7650 River Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 240 in North Bergen. The center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7AM to 5PM; Tuesday and Thursday 6AM to 6PM; and on Saturday 7AM to 2PM.
