It’s never too late (or too soon) to schedule a mammogram. A special kind of X-ray, mammograms allow doctors to detect many breast cancers early.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women over 40 as long as they are in good health. Mammograms may be recommended for women under 40 if they are considered a higher risk such as having a genetic predisposition or family history of breast cancer.

“Mammograms are important because studies have shown that screening mammograms can lower the breast cancer death rate by 20 to 40 percent,” said Sara Anschuetz, MD, a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. “The goal of screening is to find breast cancer before anyone feels it. The majority of patients with breast cancer typically have no risk factors.”

Imaging centers at Adventist Midwest Health are making it easier than ever to schedule mammograms. In many cases, same- or next-day appointments are available particularly for routine, preventive mammograms.

“Because we respect your busy schedule, we’ll get you in quickly so you can get going," said Sandra Mueller, manager, DuPage Imaging Center. “In contrast to some hospitals that have several month waits, we accept same-day and next-day appointments for screening mammograms.”

Patients can take comfort in knowing that compared to teaching hospitals in Illinois, Adventist Midwest Health physicians diagnose more breast cancer patients at an earlier stage, which increases a patient’s chance of survival.

Nearly 90 percent of breast cancer patients diagnosed at Adventist Midwest Health were diagnosed in the early stage (0 to 2), compared to 80.6 percent of patients nationally, 81.9 percent of patients at Illinois teaching hospitals and 84.2 percent of patients at comprehensive community cancer programs in Illinois, according to the most recent data available from the National Cancer Database, Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

“Our statistics for early diagnosis, breast conservation and prognosis have consistently been equal to or better than the university center nearest our hospitals,” said Donald Sweet, MD, an oncologist who treats patients at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. “Our community-centered facilities and staff provide expert, compassionate care that is individualized and close to home.”

Mammograms are offered at many Adventist Midwest Health locations including:

Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital

Adventist GlenOaks Hospital

The Women’s Imaging Center at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital

DuPage Imaging Center, 908 N. Elm St., Hinsdale

Grant Square Imaging, 333 Chestnut St., Hinsdale

Westmont Imaging Center, 6311 S. Cass Ave. in Westmont

To schedule a mammogram at any location, call 630-856-7070. For more information, or to find a physician, call us at 866-533-7968.