Written by Nancy Johnson, LPN Training and Special Projects Nurse

Mammograms are important for the early detection of breast cancer. It has been a long-standing myth that breast cancer only affects older women. Over the last five years, the rate of breast cancer in women under 50 years old has increased by 2% annually.

American Cancer Society has developed screening recommendations for women at average risk of developing breast cancer, meaning she does not have a personal history or strong family history of breast cancer, does not have a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. These recommendations are:

·        Women between 40 and 44: have the option to start mammograms yearly

·        Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year

·        Women 55 and older: have the option to continue yearly mammograms or switch to every other year

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on the factors listed above, should have a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30. This October celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your mammogram.

                             

Resources:

ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html

Strait, J. E. (2024,February 8). Breast cancer rates increasing among younger women. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/breast-cancer-rates-increasing-among-younger-women/

 

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