With Breast Cancer Awareness month in full swing, a Bronx private practice is providing state-of-the-art medical care as more patients are getting screened for the disease.

At University Diagnostic Medical Imaging, patients are screened twice over the phone and then a third time in person.

One of the many safety protocols now in place to protect patients and staff at the private practice during the pandemic.

The medical office provides a wide range of diagnostic and screenings including mammograms, cat scans, MRIs, radiology and ultrasounds. Within the past few weeks, there's been an influx of patients now coming for their annual mammograms. .

Unfortunately, doctors say the fear of COVID-19 kept some from scheduling their annual breast exams.

“Beyond a shadow of a doubt we seen an increased number of cancers because of the delays because of the pandemic,” says Dr. Daniel Gurell.

The recommended age to start getting mammograms is 40 years old, with yearly checkups after age 50. Unlike the past, the procedure is more patient friendly.

“We use the most state-of-the-art diagnostic mammograms. There's no compression anymore; the biggest complaint was, ‘my breast is being squeezed and it's painful,’ there is no pain, the exam is faster than it's ever been before in the past,” says Dr. Marc Prager.

Advanced technology is also being used at the practice to detect any questionable tissue areas that may need a second look.

“It is giving us the capability of reading things effectively, but also gives us a second pair eyes to make sure that nothing is missed,” says Dr. Gurell.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Doctors say early detection is so important in beating breast cancer.