University Medical Center Encourages Others to Say "YesMamm" to Annual Mammogram Screenings

Hospital to use Social Media, Conversation to Educate Public about Breast Health

NEW ORLEANS, LA – With Breast Cancer Awareness Month quickly approaching, University Medical Center is making effort to educate the community about breast health and the importance of annual mammograms through social media. Now through October 31, 2017, the hospital will be promoting its first annual #YesMamm campaign to encourage women to publicly pledge that they will receive screening.

UMCNO will host the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to answer questions about mammography, differentiate between cancer myths and facts, and provide a network of support between patients, survivors, and UMCNO cancer and imaging specialists. UMCNO is inviting social media users to post pictures of themselves on social media platforms using the hashtag #YesMamm.

“The early detection of breast cancer is the key to improving long-term survival,” said UMCNO surgeon LSUHSC Chief of Surgical Oncology, Adam Riker, MD. “Thus, it is imperative that we get the message out for ALL women to get their screening mammogram.”

Mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40 percent since 1990 according to the American College of Radiology, which recommends annual mammograms for women beginning at age 40. Annual screening is important because it can detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

UMCNO offers walk-in, self-referral mammograms for women age 40 or older without any current breast problems.

“Talk to your doctor about this if you're unclear as to when you should get your first one,” Riker said.

UMCNO’s Imaging Center is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call (504) 702-5700.

About University Medical Center New Orleans

Opened in August 2015, University Medical Center New Orleans is the academic medical center of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit health system. University Medical Center New Orleans serves as a key partner of LSU Health Science Center New Orleans, Tulane University School of Medicine, and other academic institutions. University Medical Center is home to the Rev. Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital, named in honor of the respected Civil Rights and community leader who served in the Louisiana Legislature for more than 20 years.