One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Yet breast cancer also has one of the highest survival rates, largely thanks to early detection services such as screening mammograms.

The Mammography Department at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) is making it easier for patients to get their annual mammogram through the new "Mammogram While You Wait Program." Walk-in screenings are now available for patients who are already at the medical center for another reason. This service is available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"In a nutshell, this program will improve access to care," said Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Miller, the lead interpreting physician for the Mammography Department. "Patients who are waiting for the pharmacy or for labs or anything can swing by and complete their screening."

On average, a screening mammogram takes only 15 to 30 minutes. These screenings are key in identifying potential cancer in its earliest stages when it is the most treatable, since mammograms are capable of detecting cancer up to two years before symptoms begin to show.

"We really want to make it easier for patients to keep up with their annual screenings," Miller said.

Starting at age 40, women with an average risk of cancer are recommended to complete an annual screening, switching to a biannual screening after age 55.

Currently, the "Mammogram While You Wait Program" is available at NMCP for all women ages 40 and older who are enrolled in Tricare Prime or Standard. The Mammography Department has added 13 walk-in slots per day to accommodate the program. Miller said she is pleased with the cooperation between the staff and the command to establish the program.

"This command has been such a huge support," Miller said. "We wouldn't have been able to implement the program without our really amazing staff and mammography technicians."

With innovative programs such as the "Mammogram While You Wait Program," NMCP encourages women to take charge of their health and continues in its aim of providing quality, patient-centered health care.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/