Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Reminder Why Annual Mammograms Matter
Published on: November 9, 2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about breast health, raising awareness about breast cancer and celebrating survivors. It’s also a reminder of one of the most important steps women can take for their health: getting an annual mammogram. If you’re looking for a mammogram near you in Watertown, NY, or anywhere in the North Country, Samaritan Medical Center offers screening and comprehensive breast care close to home.
Approximately one in eight women in the Unites States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. While that statistic is jarring, it highlights the importance of early detection.
Early detection helps individuals make informed decisions about their health, better understand their risk of breast cancer and stay up to date on recommended screenings. For many women, an annual mammogram can be a life-saving tool, helping identify breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
Why Annual Mammograms Matter
Mammograms detect breast cancer often before signs or symptoms appear. While they cannot prevent breast cancer, mammograms can help identify abnormalities early, when treatment is often most effective. That’s why staying up to date on recommended screenings is so important.
So, what is a mammogram? A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast used to look for any abnormal changes that could be signs of breast cancer. A screening mammogram is used to look for breast cancer in people who have no signs or symptoms, while a diagnostic mammogram is used to take a closer look at breast changes, such as lumps or abnormalities found on a screening mammogram.
Screening recommendations can vary based on age, family history and other risk factors. Women should talk with their healthcare provider about when screening is right for them. For those at average risk, getting annual mammograms beginning at age 40 plays an important role in early detection.
Breast Care Services at Samaritan Medical Center
Understanding when to get screened is an important step in prioritizing your breast health. Equally important is having access to high-quality breast care services close to home. At Samaritan Medical Center, patients can receive comprehensive breast care services designed to support early detection, diagnosis and ongoing breast health.
In addition to comprehensive breast imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center provides coordinated breast care through radiology, surgical oncology and plastic surgery services, all located within the Walker Center for Cancer Care. Patients can see specialists and complete multiple appointments in one convenient location, making it easier to access the care they need.
At the heart of these services is the Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care Center (WWBC), the only facility in Jefferson County that offers breast MRI services. The center performs an average of 50 mammograms daily across its three mammography units. It also provides a range of women’s health services — including specialized pregnancy care, gynecologic services, breast imaging, same-day diagnostic interpretations and breast cancer care — making it easy for patients to access breast care services in one convenient location.
To further enhance breast imaging services for the community, Samaritan Medical Center was recently awarded a $575,000 grant from The Saint Agatha Foundation to purchase a state-of-the-art Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) diagnostic system for the WWBC. The system is expected to be installed by the end of the year and will significantly expand access to advance breast cancer diagnostics for patients in the North Country.
The CEM system improves cancer detection, provides a more comfortable breast screening experience and provides higher specificity, helping reduce unnecessary biopsies. Beyond breast exams, this cutting-edge technology allows physicians to track how tumors respond to chemotherapy and monitor whether a tumor is shrinking, remaining stable or progressing, all of which is crucial information to determine treatment plans.
Access to contrast-enhanced mammography is extremely limited across the North Country, with the closest options primarily located in Syracuse, Rochester and New York City. For local residents, the addition of the CEM system prevents the need for unnecessary travel and reduces obstacles that can delay diagnosis and treatment.
A Reminder That Extends Beyond October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to an important health issue, but breast health should remain a priority year-round. Early detection is key, and prioritizing your health ensures the best possible outcomes. Mammography is the most effective screening tool to detect breast cancer, and starting annual screenings at age 40 saves the most lives.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your health and schedule your annual mammogram. If you have an order for a screening mammogram, you can self-schedule online here.