Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Reminder to Make Your Mammogram a Priority
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but breast health is something to pay attention to all year long.
Mammograms can detect changes in the breast before they can be seen or felt, helping identify breast cancer at an earlier stage. If you are due for screening, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to talk with your healthcare professional and make an appointment for a screening mammogram
For patients in Stephens County and the surrounding area, Stephens Memorial Hospital offers advanced 3D mammography close to home.
Is it Time for my Mammogram?
If you’re 40 or older or can’t remember when you had your last mammogram, it may be time to check in with your doctor. Current screening recommendations vary somewhat, but the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every two years for women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer.
Your provider may recommend starting earlier or being screened more often depending on your family history, personal health history, genetic risk, or other factors. The important thing is not to guess; ask your clinician what screening schedule makes sense for you.
“Screening recommendations are a starting point, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Your age, family history, and personal risk factors all matter, so the best approach is to talk with your healthcare professional about when and how often you should have a mammogram,” said Chief Nursing Officer Beatrice Duncan RN, BSN.
Advanced Mammography in Breckenridge and Stephens County
Stephens Memorial Hospital uses the latest high-quality, low-radiation system for breast imaging, providing detailed 3D images.
3D mammograms:
- Increases cancer detection rates
- Reduces the need for follow-up imaging
- Improves detection for individuals with dense breast tissue
The goal is simple: provide patients with high-quality breast imaging without requiring them to travel farther than necessary for care.
Screening Mammograms vs. Diagnostic Mammograms
Not every mammogram is performed for the same reason.
A screening mammogram is typically used for patients who do not have symptoms or known breast concerns. Regular screening can help detect breast cancer before symptoms develop.
A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered when you or your healthcare provider notices something unusual, such as:
- A new lump;
- Breast tenderness;
- Nipple discharge; and/or
- Changes in the skin or appearance of the breast.
Diagnostic mammography allows the radiologist to take a closer look and determine whether additional testing may be needed.
Know When to Talk with Your Healthcare Professional
Breast cancer screening recommendations can vary based on your age, family history, personal health history, and other risk factors. Your healthcare provider can help you determine when you should begin mammograms and how often you should be screened.
You should also contact your clinician if you notice a new or unusual breast change, even if you recently had a mammogram.
This October, take a moment to check in on your breast health. If you are due for a mammogram, talk with your healthcare provider about screening and learn more about the breast imaging services available at Stephens Memorial Hospital.