Breast Health

Yes, we offer quarterly screenings that include:

• FREE breast health education
• FREE clinical breast exam
• Financial assistance is available for any charges that are not covered and for those who do not have insurance.
• Free video translation services available.
• Mammograms, if indicated, will be scheduled as soon as possible at DIS Women’s Imaging Center in Hagerstown.

Appointments are required. For more information contact Gidget.Rager@meritushealth.com or call 301-665-4639.

Upcoming screening dates: 

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Yes, Meritus Health has several support programs for our patients and community. See below for more details: 

Look Good Feel Better - Look Good Feel Better Workshops provide live instruction, tips, and tricks
for dealing with visible side effects of cancer treatment. Look Good Feel Better volunteer beauty professionals lead in-person workshops to provide you with tips and tools for:
• Skin and nail care and makeup application
• Wig selection and care
• Scarves, turbans, and hats
Workshops are free of charge and open to all women with cancer who are undergoing treatment. Registration is required - click here and then type John R Marsh Cancer Center into the search above the map. Then select the date and time that works for you. Please contact Carrie Starkey at 301-714-4089 with any quesitons.

Upcoming in person workshops- 

• Monday, November 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 11, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, January 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Create Hope Support Group - Monthly interactive support group using art therapy for cancer patients. Located in the John R. Marsh Cancer Center’s survivorship conference room (off the main lobby) from noon - 2 p.m. Contact Lexi at 301-665-4624 to register. Walk-ins are also welcome.

• Breast cancer
• Breast calcifications
• Breast lumps
• Breast pain
• Cysts
• Nipple discharge

Breast and other cancers may loom in the minds of many women. To decrease the fear of the unknown, Meritus Center for Breast Health offers a breast cancer risk assessment program to help women understand their risk for developing the disease. Researchers have identified certain genes, that when changed, can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. If a woman meets criteria for genetic testing, she may have the testing performed at Meritus Center for Breast Health or obtain a referral for a genetic counseling program.

Women who might consider a breast cancer risk assessment may have:

• A family history of breast and ovarian cancer involving parents, siblings and close relatives.
• A known mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 in the family.
• A first or second degree relative with breast cancer before age 50.
• A male relative with breast cancer.
• An abnormal breast biopsy with atypical cells or multiple breast biopsies.
• Extremely dense breast tissue.
• A history of chest radiation therapy.
• During a breast cancer risk assessment women can expect:
• a clinical breast exam
• genetic assessment
• screening tests if indicated
• education about breast cancer risk and potential implications for family members
• a personalized surveillance plan
• a comprehensive pedigree including family medical history
• prevention strategies