With so many different guidelines and recommendations out there, many women find themselves asking, “When should I actually get my first mammogram?”
Here’s what expert Dr. Connie Lehman, a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, wants you to know.
Read MoreD. Lehman says when you begin mammograms is a decision you should discuss with your doctor, as they can help you understand your specific circumstances and weigh the benefits and potential risks of earlier screening.
On the other hand, Dr. Lehman says, you should start yearly mammogram screening as early as age 30 if you fit into the high-risk category, meaning you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, or had radiation to the chest area when you were young.
If you’re older than 55, you can choose to continue your annual mammograms or opt to have one every two years, she says. If you’re post-menopausal, Dr. Lehman says you may be able to reduce the frequency of your mammograms to every other year.
Again, this is your choice and should be carefully considered with your doctor.
Bottom line: our medical reviewers tell us mammograms are needed regardless of your family history because most women with breast cancer have no family history or other identifiable risk factors.
Getting mammograms regularly at the recommended intervals can help spot early signs of anything that may be potentially harmful. This way, you and your doctor can address them right away.
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