Knowing when to get a mammogram is a key part of protecting your breast health. Medical guidelines have evolved over the years, so it’s important to be aware of the latest guidance. Understanding when to get a mammogram helps ensure early detection and the best possible outcomes.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, improving treatment outcomes. Screening mammograms are recommended annually for women starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on certain factors.
What Is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a specialized medical imaging procedure that uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue for the early detection of breast cancer and other breast diseases. It plays a critical role in identifying abnormalities before symptoms appear and increasing the chances of successful treatment.
There are two main types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screening mammograms are performed on women with no cancer symptoms, primarily to detect early signs of cancer that cannot yet be felt. They are typically recommended annually starting at age 40 and involve taking X-ray images of both breasts to look for tumors, calcifications, or other irregularities.
Diagnostic mammograms are used when there are symptoms such as lumps, pain, or abnormal findings from a screening exam. They involve more detailed imaging, often with additional X-ray views or ultrasound, to evaluate specific areas of concern.
The mammogram procedure involves a trained technologist positioning the breast on a flat platform and compressing it with a clear plastic paddle. This compression spreads out the breast tissue, reduces X-ray scatter, and minimizes motion, resulting in clearer images. The technologist then takes X-ray images from different angles.
The entire process typically lasts about 15-30 minutes, and the images are interpreted by a radiologist to identify any abnormalities.
When To Get a Mammogram
Knowing when to get a mammogram is essential for early breast cancer detection and effective treatment. For women at average risk—those without a significant family history, genetic mutations, or prior breast cancer—the general guideline is to start screening at age 40.
Women with a heightened risk of breast cancer include those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or previous chest radiation. In these cases, a more proactive screening is advised.
These individuals should begin screening earlier, sometimes as early as age 30. They often require more frequent exams, such as annual mammograms or additional imaging like an MRI.
Deciding when to get a mammogram should involve a personalized risk assessment conducted by a healthcare professional. Regular consultations with a doctor ensure that your screening plan aligns with your individual risk factors, maximizing early detection while minimizing unnecessary procedures.
How To Get Screened
To get a breast screening mammogram, start by talking to your primary care doctor or OB-GYN. They can help determine when you should begin and assist with scheduling the appointment. Many clinics and hospitals also allow you to self-schedule mammograms online or by phone.
During your appointment, a trained technologist will position your breast on a special platform and compress it with a clear plastic paddle to spread the tissue for clearer X-ray images. This compression lasts only a few seconds and helps produce detailed pictures from different angles. The entire process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
After your mammogram, a radiologist reviews the images and sends the results to your doctor who will communicate them to you. They may recommend follow-up tests or additional imaging if any abnormalities are found.
You can find mammogram services at:
- Local clinics
- Hospitals
- Planned Parenthood centers
- Cancer organizations
We now provide breast care services in Jasper, IN. You can call to schedule an appointment at Deaconess Memorial Hospital for expert breast screening and care.
Other Mammogram Recommendations
Other mammogram recommendations vary widely based on your individual risk factors and personal health considerations. Deciding what’s best for you requires a personalized breast cancer risk assessment with your healthcare provider. Key factors influencing when and how often to get mammograms include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Beast density
- Personal health history
- The presence of symptoms
Women with a strong family history or genetic predispositions, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, are generally advised to begin screening earlier and to have more frequent exams. Women in this category often receive supplemental imaging, like breast MRI in addition to mammograms to improve early detection. Conversely, women at average risk typically receive annual or biennial frequency depending on guidelines and personal preference.
Diagnostic mammograms are recommended when symptoms such as:
- Lumps
- Nipple discharge
- Breast pain
- Skin changes
They’re also recommended if an abnormality is found on a screening mammogram. Unlike screening mammograms, diagnostic exams involve more detailed imaging from multiple angles to closely evaluate suspicious areas and aid accurate diagnosis.
Women in their 40s and 50s should discuss with their doctors the pros and cons of starting screening earlier versus later. Open communication ensures your screening schedule aligns with your unique risk profile and health goals, helping you make informed decisions about breast health.
Possible Risks of Mammograms
Mammograms carry some possible risks, though they are generally low compared to the benefits of early breast cancer detection. One concern is radiation exposure. Modern mammograms use a very low dose of ionizing radiation, roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation a person receives over seven weeks.
This minimal exposure makes the risk of radiation-induced cancer extremely low, especially for women over 40. The risk also decreases further with age.
Another risk involves false positives, where a mammogram suggests an abnormality that turns out not to be cancer. False positives can lead to anxiety, additional imaging, and sometimes invasive cancer procedures like biopsies. These are more common in younger women and those with dense breast tissue, where mammograms are harder to interpret accurately.
Balancing these risks against the substantial benefits of mammography is crucial. Your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions by considering individual risk factors, breast density, and personal preferences. They then tailor screening plans that maximize benefits while minimizing harms.
Mammograms in Evansville, IN
Evansville Surgical Associates is an excellent choice for mammograms. This is thanks to our highly experienced, board-certified surgeons and multidisciplinary team who ensure comprehensive and personalized care. With over 50 years of compassionate, state-of-the-art care, patients can trust Evansville Surgical Associates for their breast health needs.
We use advanced imaging technologies, including digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, for early and accurate detection of breast abnormalities. Our team follows the latest screening guidelines, collaborating with oncologists and radiologists to help optimize your outcomes.
Call us today to schedule your appointment!
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms arise, enhancing treatment success. Annual screening is advised for women starting at age 40 or earlier based on risk factors. While there are some risks, the benefits of early detection through mammography greatly outweigh them.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
