Memorial health leader says mammograms saved her life and encourages screenings

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors recommend that women begin regular mammograms at age 40.

Memorial Health System offers low-cost mammograms, and financial help is available for uninsured and underinsured patients through the Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Breast Imaging Fund.

Memorial Hospital Foundation President Aimee Robertson said a $125 mammogram coupon is always available on the hospital’s website.

If someone cannot afford the $125 screening, the Breast Imaging Fund can help pay for it, Robertson said.

“We cover mammograms all the way up through biopsy,” Robertson said.

She said patients should tell their provider when they request a mammogram order that they want to apply for financial assistance. The application is a one-page form submitted through the foundation.

Robertson said she learned she had breast cancer after her first mammogram at age 41.

“I went and had a mammogram, even though I had no lumps or anything. I didn’t expect to find anything. Had no family history,” Robertson said.

The screening found stage 2, nearly stage 3, breast cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.

“A mammogram quite literally saved my life,” Robertson said. “If I would have waited until I found a lump to go have a mammogram, then it would have been everywhere.”

Robertson said the procedure is not invasive and urged women who may be nervous about screening to go ahead with it.

“It’s really not bad,” Robertson said. “Then you have this peace knowing that you did it and it’s over. And it’s non-invasive. It’s really an easy process.”

Memorial operates several diagnostic imaging centers that provide digital screenings, diagnostic imaging, ultrasounds, breast MRIs and breast biopsies.

Appointments and more information are available by calling 228-867-4395.