Mammograms have been credited as being many things: lifesaving, state-of-the-art, important. Rarely, though, have they been described as convenient. Hoag has changed all that by offering quick and easy online scheduling at seven breast imaging locations throughout Orange County.
“Wherever you live, work or have school drop off, you have access to dedicated breast radiologists, breast ultrasound and breast MRI,” said January Lopez, M.D., medical director, breast imaging at Hoag’s Breast Center. “Mammograms save lives. We have made it as easy as possible to schedule your annual mammogram because it is the most important tool you have against breast cancer.”
Hoag Breast Centers provide breast care that is patient-centered, comprehensive and compassionate. With dedicated, subspecialized breast care including fellowship trained breast radiologists, who focus only on breast images, resulting in more accurate and higher quality mammograms. Advanced breast screening and diagnostic technologies, including standard mammography, tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast MRI and breast ultrasound.
Starting at age 40. The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) advise starting mammograms at 40 for average-risk women.
Repeat annually: “By getting screened annually, you have a better chance of finding aggressive, fast-growing cancers, which can make a significant difference in outcomes,” Dr. Lopez said. “Get screened annually.”
Early detection saves lives. “Studies have shown the earlier a woman is diagnosed, the better her prognosis,” Dr. Lopez said. “The American Cancer Society states that when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%, and mammograms often reveal abnormalities that physical exams don’t catch.”
It’s Not All in the Genes. While family history and genetic mutations can play a role in a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, 75% of breast cancers are diagnosed in patients who are not high-risk. “This tells us that screening all women is important, and the earlier a woman’s cancer is diagnosed the better the outcome,” Dr. Lopez said.
To schedule your appointment today, call 949-764-5573 or schedule online through MyChart.
We also offer same day walk-ins for Hoag Imaging Center – Costa Mesa and Hoag Health Center – Foothill Ranch.
