‘The more the merrier’: Best friends take on annual mammograms together in Conway
First published by Hannah Oskin for Waccamaw Publishers and myhorrynews.com on August 6, 2021.
The Ya-Yas friend group had their annual mammograms at Conway Medical Center’s Imaging Center.
Dr. Siena Alford stands at the x-ray machine with a gown draped over her shoulders as the mammographer helps her get situated for the squeeze.
This entails lifting her arm, pushing her chest forward and slightly turning to the side. “Just like that. Now lift your elbow,” says Angie Mays, registered mammographer at Conway Medical Center’s Imaging Center. Mays walks away, clicks the button for the x-ray, returns to readjust Alford for another angle.
Alford is not alone for her annual mammogram. Laughter rings out just around the corner in the waiting room as five of her close friends are in line for their mammograms, too.
The Ya-Yas, as they call themselves, have been the best of friends for about three decades. They have gone to get their mammograms together for about four years.
Alford, who practices at Rivertown Family Medicine and is part of the Ya-Yas, happens to be the physician for the other ladies of the group. She said they never miss an opportunity to get together — even if it’s to make a day out of getting a mammogram and going to lunch afterwards.
“To be 60 years old and have five good friends is pretty exceptional,” Alford said. “We all look out for each other.”
Others in the group are local educators who met about 30 years ago at Conway Middle School.
Going for mammograms together “makes it more fun,” Glenna Bailey said. “The more the merrier. We support each other like we are supporting the tatas today.”
One by one, each of the women go into x-ray rooms for their mammograms, all returning to the waiting room with big smiles on their faces. The others wait patiently, laughing together and of course taking selfies.
Ya-Ya member Mary Clark said going as a group holds everyone accountable. “If you go on the same date, it makes everyone have to go,” Clark said.
Librarian Sabra Bell helped the group find its name and said they’re named after the novel, “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.”
Regular mammograms ensure that breast cancer can be detected early and annual screenings can save lives, CMC health officials say.
As CMC encourages mammograms, its health officials also encourage receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, patients are asked to either schedule their mammograms before their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or at least four weeks after their second dose. Some people may develop swollen lymph nodes under their arms on the same side the vaccine was administered, which could be seen on mammogram results.
These guidelines are only for patients who have no breast symptoms who are scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine. People are encouraged to contact their health provider if they have any changes in their breasts or underarms, like pain or a lump.
Kelly Moran, part of the Ya-Yas, encourages women who are nervous about getting mammograms to form their own groups to take some of the pressure away. “I don’t have anxiety over coming,” Moran said.
First published by Hannah Oskin for Waccamaw Publishers and myhorrynews.com on August 6, 2021.
Breast Exams at Conway Medical Center
At Conway Medical Center, breast cancer screening exams are performed by a team of experts, including radiologists whose sole focus is interpreting the results of breast cancer imaging tests. We offer breast cancer screening services, including 3D mammography, at our Imaging Center in Conway and throughout Horry County on the CMC Mobile Mammography Center.
We want all women to benefit from the most sophisticated breast care available. That is why CMC is one of the first hospitals in the region to offer screening 3-D mammograms without a physician’s order at our imaging center or on our CMC Mobile Mammography Center. Financial assistance is also available through the CMC Foundation for those who qualify. Simply call 843-234-5474 to schedule your appointment today.
