Regular screenings are an essential part of protecting yourself from cancer. As we learn more about how this condition behaves, we can come up with better ways to increase the likeliness of early detection. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force issued updated mammography guidelines that made some significant changes from those released back in 2002. What do you need to know about the new recommendations?

Women in Their 40s May or Not Need Screenings Yet

Women ages 40 to 49 used to be advised to get regular mammograms. New guidelines suggest that this may be optional for some healthy women in this age group. The Task Force found that there is limited benefit when doing screenings for women in their 40s because results are much harder to read in younger women. This can cause patients to have to return for a repeat visit or biopsy only to find out it was a false positive. Additional tests and procedures usually must be performed to verify the condition. These can come with additional risks to the patient. That’s why some medical professionals back the new guidelines that suggest women should wait until they are 50 to get regular exams. This is not always the case. Speak with your gynaecologist to see what is right for you.

If You Have a Family History of Breast Cancer, You Need Screenings

The guidelines mentioned above are based on a patient who is healthy with no family history. If you have a first or second-degree relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer, then the recommendations will differ for you.

A first-degree relative would be an immediate family member like a mother, sister, or daughter. A second-degree relative would include family members that are one step beyond that, like an aunt or grandmother.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Breast Cancer Risk

Different factors will affect your breast cancer risk and help determine when you should begin regular screenings. Talk to your Women’s Health OB/GYN to discuss factors that apply to you. Contact our offices today to schedule your appointment.

Women’s Health offers state-of-the-art 3D Mammography screening right at our office for your convenience.

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• Mammogram Myth 1: You Don’t Need One if You Have No Family History

90% of breast cancer cases are not genetic. That means your family history will likely not influence whether or not you develop the disease. Do not rely on genetics as the only factor that will determine whether or not you end up with breast cancer.

• Mammogram Myth 2: You Don’t Need One if You Aren’t Experiencing Symptoms

Cancer doesn’t always show its hand right away. You can have it with no obvious symptoms. This is especially true early on when cancer tends to be in its most treatable state.

• Mammogram Myth 3: Screenings Will Expose You to Dangerous Radiation

As long as you go to a certified facility such as Women’s Health, mammograms are safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets guidelines for safe levels of radiation during screenings. We are exposed to background radiation each day. A mammogram exposes patients to an amount that’s equal to around two months’ worth of everyday background radiation.

• Mammogram Myth 4: My Internist Didn’t Mention It, So I Can’t Schedule a Screening

Just because your internist didn’t directly state that you need a mammogram doesn’t mean you shouldn’t schedule one. Every woman should have an annual screening performed. Your internist may assume that you regularly see your OB/GYN and have an appointment scheduled.

• Mammogram Myth 5: My Last Mammogram Was Normal So I Can Skip This Year

A lot can change in the body over the course of 12 months. Just because your last mammogram was normal doesn’t mean you can skip the next one. Keep up with your annual screenings to give yourself the best chances for early detection.

Contact your Women’s Health OB/GYN to schedule a mammogram, now conveniently located right in their West Bloomfield office. Your OB/GYN can answer your questions about the procedure and breast cancer prevention.

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