Stay on Schedule with Your Mammogram

Normal life has been turned upside down by the pandemic, and we’ve all had to adjust routines and reschedule Dr. Ainel Sewell events. Perhaps you’ve postponed getting your hair and nails done, going to yoga class or getting coffee with friends. But there’s one self-care activity you don’t want to miss — getting your annual mammogram.

It’s important to continue the focus on combatting COVID-19 without losing sight of the ongoing war against other major health threats. The statistics on COVID-19 are shifting every day, and it’s unclear how we may be affected in the future. At the same time, the statistics on breast cancer haven’t changed: 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. Staying on track with breast cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor can help you improve your odds against breast cancer.

EARLY DETECTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE “Early detection is the key to identifying breast cancer when it's most treatable, so prioritize and keep mammogram appointments,” said Dr. Ainel Sewell, a radiologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “Using a date of personal significance like a birthday or an anniversary can help keep you on track.”

Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a family history of breast cancer), you should talk to your doctor about getting an annual mammogram. If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, talk to your primary care doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist.

KEEPING YOU SAFE During the COVID-19 crisis, our imaging and radiology services are available. The safety of our patients and staff is our first priority, and we are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe. We are:

Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing care.

Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival.

Redesigning waiting rooms to ensure social distancing.

When you come in for your mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook, you’ll be taken care of from start to finish. Plus, you’ll benefit from our high-tech approach to breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. Advanced 3D mammography is one of the most effective tools available in detecting the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. And if your mammogram does show something abnormal, you have a trusted team at Houston Methodist ready to guide you through your options for treatment and care.

Schedule Your Mammogram

Visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging to schedule your mammogram at the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook or the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center in Towne Lake.