October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to revisit an essential part of women’s health: screening mammograms. If you’ve been wondering when you should start scheduling regular mammograms, you’re not alone.
The guidelines around when to begin mammograms can vary depending on individual risk factors and health history. As a board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist who provides exceptional care to women in Coral Springs, Florida, and the surrounding areas, Alan B. Patterson, MD, can answer your questions and provide clarity about mammogram scheduling.
For most women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women to start having annual mammograms at the age 40.
Other organizations, like the American Cancer Society (ACS), suggest beginning yearly mammogram screenings between ages 45 and 54, with the option to start as early as 40 if you prefer. After 55, you may choose to have mammograms every two years, or continue with annual screenings depending on your personal health and preferences.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women have their first mammogram at the age of 40, and continue having them every other year through the age of 74.
These guidelines are designed for women with an average risk of breast cancer, meaning you don’t have a significant family history of the disease or other risk factors that increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
While general guidelines are useful, your personal risk factors play a significant role in deciding when to start mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer, particularly in first-degree relatives like your mother or sister, Dr. Patterson may recommend starting earlier, potentially in your thirties.
Other risk factors, such as dense breast tissue or a genetic predisposition like BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, may also call for earlier and more frequent screenings.
Additionally, if you’ve undergone radiation therapy to the chest at a younger age, you could have a higher breast cancer risk, and early screening might be advisable. It’s essential to have a conversation with a women’s health care provider about these factors. Dr. Patterson can develop a personalized screening plan that aligns with your risk profile.
Breast cancer is most treatable when caught in its earliest stages, before it causes symptoms. Regular screenings can detect cancerous or precancerous changes in breast tissue, giving you the best chance of successful treatment. In many cases, finding breast cancer early can lead to less aggressive treatments and a better overall prognosis.
Mammograms can catch lumps or abnormalities that are too small to be felt during a self-exam or clinical breast exam, making them an essential part of breast health. Even if you’re regularly performing self exams or getting routine check-ups, mammograms serve a vital purpose.
If you’re feeling anxious about your first screening mammogram, knowing what to expect can ease some of your concerns. A mammogram is a noninvasive imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to examine your breast tissue.
Fortunately, the idea that mammograms are painful is a myth. Getting a mammogram is a quick, straightforward process, and thanks to newer technology, pain or soreness is less likely. Mammograms typically take about 20 minutes and involve compressing your breast between two plates to get clear images of the tissue.
It’s important to note that mammograms aren’t perfect — false positives can happen, for example, especially in younger women with dense breast tissue. This can make detecting abnormalities more challenging. If you’re aware that you have dense breast tissue, mention it to Dr. Patterson. In some cases, follow-up testing may be needed.
Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about wearing pink ribbons; it’s about being in the driver’s seat of your breast health. Along with other measures, such as self exams, scheduling regular screening mammograms is a vital step in safeguarding your breast health.
Talk to Dr. Patterson about your risk factors and start planning for your screenings today. To schedule an appointment or discuss the best time to have your first mammogram, contact us by phone or via our online scheduler at your convenience.
