All Women Recommended to Start Getting Regular Mammograms at Age 40

9/23/2023

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms every two years starting at age 40. The recommendation is in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI.

“The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Lisa Hendricks. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.”

Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Physicians Regional Healthcare System offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:

• Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
• Less radiation exposure.
• Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.

Here in Florida, 17,874 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2020, the most recent year data is available. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. One of every five deaths in the United States is due to cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives

While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common.

Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Physicians Regional is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.

Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have regular mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent through 2020.

To schedule a mammogram, call (239) 304-4888. Or, to find a primary care doctor or OB/GYN, visit https://www.physiciansregionalmedicalgroup.com/doctors-providers.

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