Mammograms recommended for women beginning at age 40

  • By Dave Harrison R.T.(R)(N), MBA Manager of Imaging Services Wooster Community Hospital
  • October 10, 2011
  • 282
                        
According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines, mammography is recommended for women beginning at age 40 and continuing annually as long as a woman is in good health, a clinical breast exam (CBE) about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and over. However, more and more physicians are getting a baseline mammogram at age 35 (this is particularly important for women who have a family history of breast cancer), and then begin yearly mammograms at age 40, as long as results remain normal. It is important to know that mammography has complementary tests that may assist with possible diagnosis. For example, an MRI in addition to a mammogram may be recommended for women who have a strong family history, genetic risk, or other risk factors for breast cancer. In addition, ultrasound can be utilized to determine if a mass-like structure is concerning. The digital mammogram is often preferred over traditional films because they take an image much like a digital camera. To the radiologist, the electronic digital image is much easier to manipulate and visually examine the various tissue densities in the breast. With digital mammography, the magnification, orientation, brightness, and contrast of the image may be altered after the exam is completed to help the radiologist more clearly see certain areas without having to repeat the mammogram. However the greatest difference is a higher sensitivity to abnormalities within the breast. Although both digital and traditional film screen mammography utilize radiation, small studies have shown less radiation exposure is used in digital. Women can feel confident about having regular mammograms to find cancers early, as mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis. With today’s digital technology, mammograms are quick, less painful, and use far less radiation. For example, at Wooster Community Hospital’s HealthPoint facility, the digital mammography unit has a hinged gentle compression paddle, Mammopad cushions are used for each patient which provide warmth and comfort, and the HealthPoint unit produces only a quarter of the Mammography Quality Standards Act for acceptable radiation dose for accreditation. Most importantly, all women are encouraged to continue self-examination breast exams whether they have yearly mammograms or not. The American Cancer Society believes the use of mammograms, complementary additional testing, clinical breast exams, and reporting breast changes to a physician early offer women the best chance to beat breast cancer, if diagnosed.


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