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How Often Should I Get a Mammogram?

How Often Should I Get a Mammogram?

We know that routine screenings are powerful weapons against cancer, and mammograms are a critical tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s more treatable. 

A mammogram is a breast X-ray that can show abnormalities even before they become palpable and guide your doctor about whether you should have further testing or a biopsy if they see anything suspicious. We know that these tests have been pivotal in reducing women’s risk of dying from breast cancer, in addition to catching cancers in their earliest stages. 

Dr. Kevin Hooker is devoted to providing the best OB/GYN care to our patients, and this includes talking with you about the importance of getting your mammogram and incorporating it as a not-to-be-missed screening in your routine gynecologic care. We believe in the power of preventive care for maintaining your good health. 

Breast cancer: Important things to know

One in 8 women will be diagnosed at some point in their life with breast cancer, so it’s essential for you and Dr. Hooker to have informed conversations about it. He’s always happy to share the latest research findings and recommendations with you and answer any questions you may have.

Nearly 290,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year and almost 43,000 will die from it, but there’s good news too. The breast cancer death rate decreased by a full percentage point every year from 2013 to 2018 and one of the reasons is that more women are getting mammograms. 

The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. In the under-45 demographic, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed and to die from breast cancer. Ashkenazi Jewish women are at higher risk as well, due to BRCA genetic mutations. 

And although 85% of women who get diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease, having a first degree family member who was diagnosed with it doubles your risk.

Dr. Hooker discusses these issues with you as you assess your risk together and make decisions about when and how often you should get your mammogram. 

Mammogram frequency recommendations

The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and other medical organizations differ in their recommendations for when a woman should get her first mammogram and the frequency of screenings thereafter, which is why so many women are confused about the screening schedule.

The most relevant advice about mammograms comes from your own doctor, who knows you and your medical history well. Dr. Hooker considers your health, your risk factors, and your personal beliefs and desires when mapping out a mammogram schedule for you.

In general, most women with an average risk of breast cancer can follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which provides these recommendations:

1. For women between the ages of 40 and 49, mammograms are optional. At this age, you may opt for the screening every one or two years, complemented by an annual clinical breast exam.

2. For women ages 50-74, a screening mammogram should be offered every one or two years. Clinical breast exams should still be offered annually. 

3. For women aged 75 and over, mammogram frequency should be guided by shared decision making between patient and doctor, and taking the individual patient’s health and expected longevity into consideration. 

Bear in mind that if you are at a higher risk for being diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. Hooker will likely give you different recommendations.

Though no screening test is perfect, the development of the mammogram has been a game-changer in diagnosing breast cancer. The recent development of 3D mammograms allow radiologists an even clearer view of the breast by producing many X-ray images at once that, when combined, create a 3D image of the breast.

Don’t put off having a conversation about breast cancer risk and how often you should be screened with Dr. Hooker. He’s your partner as you do all you can to support your good health.

Call our office at 928-683-1668 to schedule an appointment, or request one online.

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