Baystate Schedules Saturday Mammogram

SPRINGFIELD — Women who are overcommitted with busy work schedules or family obligations, and thus haven’t had the time to schedule their annual mammogram, now have no excuse.

Baystate Health will offer a special Saturday screening for “overcommitted women” on April 14 at all three of its hospitals.

The screening mammograms will be held at Baystate Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Center at 3400 Main St., Springfield; Baystate Mary Lane Hospital at 85 South St., Ware; and Baystate Franklin Medical Center at 164 High St., Greenfield. Refreshments will be served, but space is limited, and registration is required.

Women over 40 who have never received a mammogram, or who are far behind in scheduling their annual screening, are eligible to register. The screening mammograms are only for women without any symptoms; women who are experiencing any breast symptoms should contact their physician immediately.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women get yearly clinical breast exams starting at the age of 20 and yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40.
A yearly mammogram has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer; however, many women say they don’t have the time for this life-saving procedure.

To register for the special Saturday mammograms, call the Comprehensive Breast Center at (413) 794-2222, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital at (866) 531-8378, or Baystate Franklin Medical Center at (413) 773-2233.