Get your mammogram and COVID-19 Vaccine

Recent news reports say that a possible side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine could be mistaken for breast cancer on a mammogram.

The Society of Breast Imaging has also released recommendations encouraging women to schedule their mammogram either before their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or about four to six weeks following the second dose.

Vaccines can cause swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are part of your body's immune system—they fight the germs that make you sick.

Swelling in the lymph nodes (or enlarged lymph nodes) after a vaccine is normal, and can be a sign that your body is responding to the vaccine and building up defenses against a virus.

However, enlarged or swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of many illnesses, including breast cancer.

Don’t delay your vaccine or your mammogram

When it comes to preventive screening or medical treatment, Campbell County Health encourages patients not to delay care—it’s important to keep a scheduled mammogram and to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available.

Guidelines for mammograms can vary according to individual risk factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccine concerns and whether you should schedule a mammogram.

If you have a mammogram scheduled for after your COVID-19 vaccine, let your doctor, mammography technologist or radiologist know that you've had the vaccine and which arm it was administered in. This information will be helpful in understanding the images.

If you have a lump in the breast or underarm (armpit), or new breast symptom such as pain, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, nipple discharge and more, please contact your provider right away.

To learn more about mammography services at Campbell County Memorial Hospital’s Radiology department in Gillette, Wyoming, visit www.cchwyo.org/mammo. To schedule an appointment, please call 307-688-1600.

CCH is open, safe and ready to see you

With almost 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in nearly 20 specialties, CCH is committed to your wellbeing right here at home. If you have been putting off a visit to your doctor for a regular checkup, contact them; they can help weigh your personal healthcare risk and avoid further delayed diagnoses.

Visit www.cchwyo.org/findadoc to find your provider or clinic.