MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Breast cancer screening can help detect cancer before symptoms develop, but when to begin and how often to schedule a mammogram depend on age, medical history and individual risk, according to the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.
For Mitchell women reviewing their preventive care, understanding those differences can help guide a conversation with a health care provider.
The American Cancer Society says women at average risk may begin annual mammograms between ages 40 and 44. It recommends yearly screenings from ages 45 through 54. At 55, women may switch to every other year or continue annually. That choice does not depend on having consistently negative results.
Recommendations differ among organizations. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women ages 40 through 74 at average risk.
For women at high risk, the American Cancer Society generally recommends an annual breast MRI and mammogram beginning around age 30. Factors may include certain inherited gene mutations, a strong family history or previous chest radiation. MRI supplements mammography rather than replacing it.
Both 2D and 3D mammograms are accepted screening options, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization reports that research suggests 3D imaging can detect additional cancers and reduce callbacks for further testing. However, no mammogram finds every cancer, and dense breast tissue can make detection more difficult.
The National Cancer Institute advises women to discuss their screening schedule and any new breast changes with their health care provider, even after a recent normal mammogram.