Votes:

The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for women beginning at age 40.  However, a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, such as a personal history of ovarian cancer or Hodgkin’s disease or a prior breast biopsy that showed high risk, may cause a woman to begin screening at an earlier age.  Such individuals should check with their healthcare providers.

The Siteman Cancer Center Mammography Van will perform screening mammograms for women without a written note from their physician if they meet the criteria below:

·         Ages 40 years or older

·         No mammograms in the past 12 months

·         No signs or symptoms of breast cancer (such as lumps or dimpling)

·         No breast implants

·         No histories of breast cancer

·         No current pregnancies

If women are between the ages of 35 and 39, meet the last five criteria above, and have cause to begin earlier screening, they must have a doctor’s written request.  Women younger than age 35 cannot be screened on the van. 

The examination fee (a portion charged by Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the technical component and a portion charged by Washington University School of Medicine for the professional component) will be direct billed to the patient, her insurance company, or Medicare.  Insurance cards should be brought to the appointment.