As you are scheduling your annual exam this Spring, timing can be more important than ever before!
The best advice is to schedule your screening mammogram either before you receive your COVID-19 vaccine, or four to six weeks after you have received your vaccine.As your body builds a normal immune response to the virus through the vaccine, you may experience swelling in your lymph nodes. This swelling is normal and expected, but this temporary change can impact the results of your mammogram.
As always, self breast exams are important! They help us monitor changes in our breasts and overall breast health.
If you notice changes in your breasts, please don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about you concerns. It is important to be aware of and to report any of the following changes:
- Thickening or breast swelling, lumps or bumps
- Irritation or dimpling of the skin
- Redness or flaky skin on your nipple or breast
- Nipple discharge, other than breast milk
- Changes in the size or shape of your breast
- Breast pain