When should you get a mammogram

Doctors recommend that women get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms are one of the best tools for finding cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Ask your doctor when you should get your first screening mammogram. With multiple convenient locations and online scheduling, Aurora Health Care makes it easy to get the health screenings you need.

When to start mammogram screening

When you’re 25, we recommend that you talk to your doctor about your family history of breast cancer. Your doctor will assess if you’re average, intermediate or high risk for breast cancer and may give you a referral to a high-risk breast clinic or a genetics counselor if it’s appropriate.

At age 40, talk with your primary care doctor about establishing a screening mammogram plan. Together, you and your provider can develop a plan based on your individual risk factors, personal preferences, and your provider’s recommendation.

Having an average risk of breast cancer means that you do not have a:

• Family history of breast cancer
• Genetic mutation known to increase cancer risk, such as the BRCA gene
• Personal history of radiation to the chest before age 30
• Personal history of breast cancer

When should I start mammogram screening if I have a high risk of breast cancer?

Aurora Health Care recommends that you start talking with your primary care provider about your breast cancer risk at age 25. You may need to start screening mammograms and other tests as early as age 30.

Your risk for breast cancer is calculated based on multiple factors, including whether you have:

• A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• A sibling, parent or child with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• A history of chest radiation between the ages of 10 and 30
• Dense breasts
• Cowden syndrome, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome or a parent, sibling or child with one of these conditions
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer, which makes it more likely to occur in the other breast

If you have a high risk of breast cancer, ask your provider about a referral to a high-risk breast clinic. These clinics offer information about healthy lifestyle choices, additional screenings, genetic counseling and preventive treatments.

Is breast cancer risk higher for women with implants?

Breast implants don’t affect your breast cancer risk. And the guidelines for breast cancer screening are the same for women who have breast implants and those who don’t.

Do I need other breast cancer screenings?

Sometimes, you may need additional breast cancer screenings, such as an MRI or ultrasound. Your provider may recommend these tests if you have:

• Dense breasts
• High risk of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer

Should I perform monthly breast self-exams?

You may have heard doctors recommend that you perform monthly breast self-exams. Self-exams can help you detect new lumps or changes in your breast tissue.

Research has not shown that monthly self-exams help you find breast cancer sooner. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. However, it’s important to be familiar with the size, shape and feel of your breasts so that you can tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes. Often, self-exams are a good way to remain aware of what’s normal for your breasts.