Breast Cancer Screening in Our Community
The burden of cancer is dramatically high in the African American community, and African American women in St. Louis have a 40 percent difference in breast cancer survival rates than white women.
Mammograms Save Lives
BREAST CANCER is more serious in black women.
But MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES by catching cancer early when it’s more treatable.
GET A MAMMOGRAM EVERY YEAR STARTING AT AGE 40.
And if you have breast cancer in your family, you may need to start younger.
DO IT FOR YOU. DO IT FOR YOUR LOVED ONES.
Together, We Can Save Lives in Our Community
Schedule Your Mammogram Today in the St. Louis Area
It’s safe to get mammograms during the pandemic, and Siteman locations and other hospitals are open and taking appointments. Most locations provide the latest 3D mammogram technology. It’s easy to schedule your mammogram by phone or online.
AND DON’T LET COST KEEP YOU FROM GETTING YOUR MAMMOGRAMS. Most insurance plans cover breast cancer screening. And Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women program offers free mammograms for women who need them. For details and a list of locations in St. Louis and across Missouri, visit bit.ly/MOHealthyWomen, call 866-727-9926, or just ask – “are you a Show Me Healthy Women provider.”
Bringing Mammograms Closer to You – Siteman Mammography Van
To make it easier for women to get to their yearly mammograms, the Siteman Mammography Van sets up mobile clinics in neighborhoods across the St. Louis region (video). View dates and locations for the coming months. And schedule an appointment by calling 314-747-7222 or 800-600-3606, or filling out an appointment form.
What to Expect at Your Mammogram
Mammogram appointments generally take about 30 to 40 minutes, which includes checking in, changing for the test, and getting dressed afterward. The mammogram itself is a type of X-ray and takes only a few minutes. You will stand in front of the machine and images of one breast will be taken, and then the other. When each image is taken, your breast will be compressed between two paddles, which helps to get a clear image. While this lasts just a short time, many women find it uncomfortable. If it is painful, the X-ray tech may be able to change your position to make it feel more comfortable. After your mammogram, your breasts may feel tender for a little while. Generally, you will be contacted about your results within a few days to a few weeks.
Facts About Breast Cancer in Black Women
Breast cancer is more serious for Black women. Compared to white women, breast cancer in Black women:
- Develops at younger ages
- Is found at more serious stages
- Is deadlier
But there are steps you can take to protect against breast cancer. And the most important is: Getting yearly mammograms starting at age 40 – or younger if at higher risk. Mammograms can catch cancer early when it can be better treated.
You may have a higher risk of breast cancer than other women if you have:
- Family members who’ve had certain cancers, especially breast or ovarian cancer
- Genetic mutation that increases breast cancer risk
- History of certain types of benign breast disease (like atypical hyperplasia)
- History of radiation therapy to the chest area
Talk to a doctor about your breast cancer risk, ideally by age 30.
More Breast Health Tips
Take steps to protect your breast health. And help your friends and loved ones do the same.
- Begin yearly mammograms at age 40
- Know your family history of cancer and talk to a doctor about your breast cancer risk (by age 30, if possible)
- Keep weight in check
- Be physically active – Work up to around 30 minutes or more a day, but any amount is better than none.
- Limit alcohol – Zero is best
- Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits & vegetables
- Don’t smoke
- Breastfeed, if possible
- Avoid menopausal hormone therapy
For more information, see 8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
Our Community Partners
- The Breakfast Club | https://www.breakfastclubstl.org/
- Valeda’s Hope | https://www.valedashope.org/
- Pink Ribbon Girls | https://www.pinkribbongirls.org/st-louis-missouri
- Gateway to Hope | https://gthstl.org/
- Faith through Fire | https://faiththroughfire.org/
- The Native Women’s Care Circle | https://www.facebook.com/Native-Womens-Care-Circle-295002511422/
- Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis | http://www.cancersupportstl.org/
- The Pink Angels Foundation | https://pinkangelsfoundation.org/
- Hatz4Hearts | https://hatz4hearts.org/
- Mercy Hospital | https://www.mercy.net/service/womens-health/
- Missouri Baptist (MOBap) Mammography Van | https://www.missouribaptist.org/Medical-Services/Breast-Health/Mammography-Van-Dates
- SSMHealth – Breast Health | https://www.ssmhealth.com/womens-health/breast-health
- American Cancer Society in Missouri | https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/missouri.html