Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Screening Plan |
October is a good time to check one important item off your health list: make sure you know when your next mammogram is due and whether your personal risk means you should be screened differently.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It is also a reminder to pay attention to screening and early detection.
For women at average risk, screening recommendations vary slightly depending on the medical organization. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years for women ages 40 through 74. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40–44 have the option to begin annual mammograms, women 45–54 receive one every year, and women 55 and older may switch to every two years or continue annually.
The important takeaway is not to memorize competing guidelines. It is to talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that makes sense for you.
Are You at Higher Risk?
Some women need a different screening plan. Factors that may place someone at higher risk include certain inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a strong family history of breast cancer, previous radiation treatment to the chest at a young age, or a calculated lifetime breast-cancer risk of about 20% or greater. The American Cancer Society recommends that some women at high risk receive both a mammogram and breast MRI every year, often beginning around age 30. If you are unsure about your family history or personal risk, that is a good conversation to have at your next appointment.
Know What Is Normal for You
Screening does not replace paying attention to changes in your own body.
Possible warning signs can include a new breast or underarm lump, swelling or thickening, skin dimpling or irritation, nipple changes or discharge, changes in breast size or shape, or persistent breast pain. These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but the CDC recommends having new changes evaluated by a healthcare professional.
This Week’s Simple Action
Take five minutes and answer these three questions: ✓ When was my last mammogram?
If you do not know the answers, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to find out.
Awareness is important. Taking action is better. |
23 Comments
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I always make it a day out with my friend, mammograms then brunch after. Makes it easier.
I appreciate this. I always get anxious but the test is quick and way worth it.
If I ever see changes, I call my doctor. Better safe than sorry!
I wish there was more info about risks for Black women. Seems like rates are different?
Georgina M.Good point. I’ve read Black women are more likely to be diagnosed younger and sometimes with more aggressive forms. Would be great to see more local resources and clearer info.
It’s easy to forget the last date. Wish my clinic sent reminders more often.
Adriana F.Same here. I actually put mine in my phone calendar now just so I remember. Would love if the clinics were more regular with reminders though.
I started annual mammos at 40. My sister waited till 45. Glad I did it early.
The pink ribbons are nice but yes, making that call is the most important part.
Every time I put it off, I regret it. Putting my screening on the calendar now.
Breast pain has always made me nervous but my doctor said it’s not always serious.
Camille J.I get anxious too, but turns out lots of things can cause it. I still check in with my doctor if something feels off, just in case.
What about folks with no history but very dense tissue? Is MRI covered then?
Those warning signs are helpful to know. Wish they talked about this more in school.
My mom always hounded me to check myself. Miss her but I’m grateful for the habit.
Never even thought to talk with my doctor about my actual risk. Good idea.
Jenna M.I only started asking after my sister was diagnosed. Turns out those chats with your doctor can really change your screening plan. Worth bringing up even if nothing runs in your family.
Already called my clinic this morning! October really is a great reminder.
Didn't know about the MRI part for higher risk folks. Will ask my doc.
Rachel B.Yeah, I was surprised by that info too. Guess it depends on your family history and genes. Always better to talk it through at your next checkup.
I wish there was just one clear guideline. Gets confusing!
Lost my aunt to breast cancer. Scheduling my check a little earlier each year now.
Thanks for the gentle nudge. Making my appointment this week.