Do I Need a Mammogram?
You may have read various news reports about when to get a mammogram and why. The fact is that mammography is the best tool available to screen for breast cancer. It has helped reduce the breast cancer death rate in the United States by 30%. At present, there are no tests to replace mammography. Experts at the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women receive an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40.
– From MammographySavesLives.org
- Age 40 –Women should have a Baseline mammogram at this age; baseline means it is your first one.
- Age 40-75 – women in this age-range should have a mammogram every year.
- Age 75 and older – women in this age range should talk with their healthcare providers to decide if continued screening mammograms are appropriate for them. Women with healthy, active lifestyles should continue to be screened yearly.
The Breast Center of Suburban Imaging offers both screening and diagnostic mammograms.
View complete screening mammogram guidelines here (PDF).
