Cmm1964- I agree with you 100%. Unless you're in a high risk group for covid-19, I'd proceed with a scheduled mammogram, particularly if you are at a higher risk for BC. Last year at 50, I was diagnosed via mammogram with BC. It was non-invasive, DCIS, stage 0, but due to additional findings I had a bilateral mastectomy last August. I require no further treatment :)

Without that mammogram, there is a decent chance that given only a short amount of time, the non-invasive cancer could have become invasive, which is an entirely different story. Last week, I had to have an ultrasound in a Philly hospital and though I was nervous, I felt completely safe once I got to the facility and saw the extreme precautions being taken.

Get your mammograms ladies!!

I think it's best to do what makes you comfortable - especially considering your locale and associated risks. I was due for one next week. After discussing this with my oncologist/husband we decided to schedule it for one month later in June and I go into Philadelphia for mine. I don't happen to have any special risk factors for BC or Covid except my age - 70 however DH is in a high risk group for Covid so I do try to limit my exposure.

I also re-scheduled my annual visit to the internist for July. But I can easily postpone both of those appointments if necessary.

I postponed mine, from last month until end of June. No risk or family history of BC. But I am going to my postponed endocrinologist next week (POB outside of hospital) for ultrasound and Dr appointment. I had the second half of my thyroid removed almost 2yrs ago and there was encased cancer cells. They've already sent email and text saying masks are required. No problem.

I am due for an annual screening mammogram. I made an appointment for mid June. Today I am seeing the ophthalmologist:. I decided that the decline in the eyesight in my left eye in recent weeks is more worrisome than the chance of catching Covid-19. Both offices have sanitary protocols that they are following. Visiting a doctor's' office most likely carries much less risk than shopping at the grocery store. I weighed all the factors and decided what is right for me. I am happy to have the option.

It is concerning that some people with serious aliments cannot see their physicians because many doctors have closed their offices to work in hospitals. Others cannot access doctors' offices if the office is located in a hospital.

Postponing for a month or two or three (not a year) might make sense for some people to see if there is drop off in cases in their area - IF that person is comfortable doing so and their MD agrees. If it produces anxiety it's not worth it.

Fortunately, not due until about September. But the breast screening centers are open.

Thanks for all your input. I am already almost two months overdue so I am a bit anxious. I will keep my scheduled appointment.

You have to do what is best for you, and that is the message. You don’t need anyone’s permission if you are in a risk category for cancer or another disease to get a screening or test.

I agree with do what you are most comfortable with. You know your local facility and how crowded, whatever other procedures might be done there that would bring many into a lobby or waiting area. I was due for blood draw, bone density scan and annual endocrinology check in Seattle - next week. Monday I called and pushed that out until end of July. Receptionist considered it a 'well-patient' visit and was very agreeable and understanding of my wish not to be in their parking garage and elevator, multi-story building lobby and its elevator. If I could have walked into their office ground floor, knowing how spacious it is, I might have gone but I couldn't do that so am waiting a bit.

I was one who put off my mammogram for no logical reason for several months and then had it the first day of April. Well I am so glad I did. It revealed an Inter ductal papilloma. I have had a biopsy and am now scheduled for a consultation with a breast surgeon next week. The medical professionals seem concerned enough that even though I live in NYC and the pandemic has created great strain on all medical staff and facilities I must see a surgeon and have surgery in the near future.

The lesson learned for me is to follow medical guidelines and get required exams and tests as needed. A month either way may or may not matter but longer than that is risky regardless of your health history. Next up a colonoscopy.

Hcbm thank you for sharing your story. I will be thinking good thoughts for you.

As I have mentioned I was diagnosed Feb 2019 and just finished treatment this Feb. I was supposed to have a mammogram the end of March. (6 months after radiation finished) The Diagnostic Center called me a few times rescheduling and asking if I felt okay coming out to have a mammogram. I laughed and told them there was no way I was delaying this mammogram, plus I was still working in the hospital so any germs they had didn't scare me!

Yes delaying your mammogram may allow an existing cancer to grow. My initial cancer was so small though that it may have been missed or not there if I had my mammogram on time and not a few months late.

Just get your mammogram whenever you are comfortable with the timing. They save lives!!!!

The decision absolutely comes down to family history. I don't have a family history of cancer of any type. I do have a family history of thyroid disease. Thyroid hormone levels are not part of a regular blood test, but because of family history I insisted on testing. My TSH level was highly elevated, and I'm now taking medication.

I'm sorry mindshift, but I disagree. I don't think the decision can be based on just family history.

I'm seeing my dentist tomorrow, after being rescheduled twice. This is for a cleaning/exam. I am to wait in my car, they will come out to me, ask a few questions, take my temp. It doesn't worry me at all.

I will be scheduling my mammogram and a colonoscopy for my husband. He should have gone this month. He had polyps last time and goes every 3 years now. Both the Breast Center and the GI Center are free-standing (separate entrances/parking) centers at the hospital. Ground level, no elevators, etc. I am expecting that they may have me do a drop-off and pick-up for my husband rather than waiting in the waiting room. We'll see.

Tina Marie, How did the dentist appointment go? I've got my regular cleaning in about a month. They are back open and doing the same protocols like you described. I seriously wonder if I want to reschedule.

Ugh, really wish I had those non-emergency crowns done last year.

Hy GS! Went great. My dentists (married couple) have always kept their office/rooms super clean. They are following a few more sanitizing procedures for now. Magazines are gone in waiting room, door leading back to exam rooms is left open (no touching knob), furniture is waiting room is spaced further apart (some removed), etc. I saw one other patient, leaving and there was one in another exam room when I passed by. Hygienist wore mask and face shield. I was already rescheduled more than a month so was happy to have my teeth cleaned. You call from car when you arrive and they ask several health/travel questions before allowing you to come to front desk. Then they take your temp and have a few more questions. All went well.

Went for mammogram today. Unfortunately since I was having some pain in the left breast the center called my doctor who recommended a more advanced scan the clinic didn’t have. I did get a bone density scan as I have a history of osteopenia. The waiting room was nearly empty and employees were wearing masks and eyewear. I am not thinking every time I walk out my door that I am walking in to a contaminated area so I was quite comfortable.

I feel mammograms are very important and I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t personally know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.