Anna Holley, CSVI Director of Operations at Imaging Center at ICPC in Sunny Isle
Cancer Screening
My Mammogram: A Personal Reminder That Early Detection Saves Lives
I turned fifty earlier this year and made a commitment to prioritize my health, really prioritize it. At the top of my list? Getting a mammogram.
This was only my second one, the first was about five years ago. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women should begin getting mammograms every two years starting at age 40 and continue until at least age 74. With my involvement in Cancer Support VI (CSVI), I knew I wanted to share this experience with our community here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, not just because it’s part of my personal health journey, but because it’s a simple, important step that can truly save lives.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the Virgin Islands. I wanted to write this blog in hopes of encouraging others, especially those of us now in The ‘Pause, to get screened. Because early detection does make a difference.
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that takes images of the breast tissue. It’s a screening tool that helps detect breast cancer early, sometimes even before symptoms appear. The process involves compressing the breast between two plates to get a clear image. While it might sound intimidating, it’s over before you know it.
Where Can You Get a Mammogram in the USVI?
As of writing this, you can get a mammogram on —
St. Croix
JFL Hospital (ask for Ms. Millie)
St. Thomas
A referral from your primary care doctor or OB-GYN is typically required so that your results have a provider to be sent to.
My Experience: Quick, Easy, and (Honestly) Not That Bad
I scheduled my mammogram at the ICPC Imaging Center on St. Croix and only had to wait about three weeks for an appointment, that’s pretty quick by island standards!
Check-in was simple. I completed a short questionnaire about my breast health, personal and family medical history, and was then called back by the mammographer. She guided me to the changing room where I was asked to undress from the waist up and given a short cover for privacy. The space was clean, quiet, and completely private.
The mammographer talked me through each step and made sure I felt comfortable the entire time. First up: the right breast. She gently positioned me and placed the breast on the machine’s plate. Then came the compression, just for a few seconds, while the machine captured the image. The same process was repeated for the left side.
In case you’re wondering...
Does It Hurt?
In my honest opinion, no, it doesn’t hurt. Is it a little uncomfortable? Sure. But it’s nothing you can’t handle. I can think of at least a dozen things in life that are more painful!
Compression is necessary to keep the breast still and to get the clearest image possible. It also reduces the amount of radiation needed for the scan. The whole image-taking process lasted less than five seconds per side. Deep breath in, deep breath out and done.
From check-in to check-out, I was there less than 30 minutes. The Imaging Center was very efficient.
My results will be sent directly to my physician, and I’ll discuss them at my next check-up.* From here on out, I’m committed to being screened every two years.
Final Thoughts
My goal in sharing this experience is simple: to encourage you, yes, you, to make that appointment. It’s a small, empowering action you can take for your health right here on-island. You don’t need to travel, and it doesn’t cost you hours of your day.
Mammograms are quick. They’re safe. And they can save lives.
So please, take a moment for yourself. Make the call. Schedule your screening. Your future self will thank you.
*After my provider reviewed my mammogram, they wanted to re-screen my right breast, so I did have to do a follow up and this is quite normal. Thankfully, results came back normal and every year on my birthday, I’ll schedule my annual mammogram because I know early detection is crucial.