Breast Health
Resources

Mammograms can help save lives.

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Let's change this statistic. Whether or not you’re currently an EmblemHealth member, breast health begins with a health plan and coverage for mammograms. At EmblemHealth, we go beyond coverage to connect you to nearby mammogram screenings to help keep you healthy.

What To Know About Mammograms

Perla mammogram artwork
Perla mammogram artwork

Women aged 40 to 49: Talk to your doctor to find out when you should start getting mammograms, if you are high-risk or not, and how often you should get screened for breast cancer.

Women aged 50 to 74: Be sure to get a mammogram every two years. You may also choose to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

Men: Breast cancer is more common in older men, though it could occur at any age. If you have risk factors, have your primary care provider check for lumps at your annual checkup.

The morning of your mammogram, remember these simple tips:

Wear a two-piece outfit like sweatpants and a t-shirt because you will have to undress above the waist for the mammogram.

Avoid applying any deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or ointment on or around your chest. These products can appear as white spots on the mammogram.

At your mammogram screening:

The screening takes about 20 minutes to complete.

The mammogram technician will guide you throughout the process. It’s their job to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Do not hesitate to ask questions about the process. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel during the screening.

Some women and men experience some form of discomfort while getting their mammogram. While the level of discomfort varies from person to person, the benefits of early detection are the same for all.

Common Questions About Mammograms

No, a referral is not required. You can schedule a screening today. However, the results of your screening will be sent to your primary care provider (PCP), if you have one on file. If you don’t have a PCP, you can schedule an appointment with AdvantageCare Physicians.

A mammogram may be uncomfortable, but it only takes a few moments and the discomfort is over quickly. The screening may be more uncomfortable around the time of your period.

It’s important to know that breast lumps and cysts can be common and are often, noncancerous (benign), particularly in younger women. Your breast tissue may also experience slight changes throughout the course of your monthly menstrual cycle. Even so, you should always reach out to your primary care provider (PCP) or OB/GYN for evaluation as soon as you discover a lump. 

When preparing for your appointment, make note of things such as if it is a new lump, when you first noticed the lump, if the lump has grown, or if one breast feels different from the other. This information will help your health care professional during the evaluation.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022.

Breast cysts are most common among women who still experience a monthly menstrual cycle. These cysts are often caused by the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s cycle. (That is why a smaller proportion of breast cysts occurs in post-menopausal women.)

Source: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022.

Additional Breast Health Resources

Caring for Our Communities

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022, 2023
NY State Department of Health, 2021