Breast Cancer
 
Women Needing Mammograms  

Who should get a mammogram? When? How often?

The National Cancer Institute recommends a mammogram for women over the age of 40 on a 1- to 2-year basis, depending on the individual’s personal and familial risk factors. Women over the age of 50 should schedule mammograms on a yearly basis. It is estimated that if every women over the age of 50 had her yearly mammogram, breast cancer deaths in this age group would drop by more than 25%.

Mammograms are also recommended for women 35 and older who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A strong family history means two or more close relatives diagnosed with either of these cancers on either side of the family, particularly if the diagnoses occurred before age 50.

Women under 40 with no significant family history of breast cancer are discouraged from getting mammograms for two reasons:
  • Breast cancer in women under 40 with no family history is very unusual

  • Younger women’s breast tissues are denser and more difficult to examine reliably, even with X-rays.


  • Questions Related to Women Needing Mammograms
    What is a mammogram?
    Do mammograms prevent breast cancer?
    I have had a mastectomy, but the cancer has been in remission for 2 years. Should I get a mammogram on the other breast?
    If mammograms are so good at detecting nonsymptomatic tumors, why should I bother with a monthly breast exam ?
    I have breast implants. How can I get properly screened?
    Are there different types of mammograms?
    What is a digital mammogram ? Is it better than a film mammogram ?
    Are mammograms safe ?
    How is a mammogram performed?
    How can I get ready for my mammogram ?
    Are there any problems with mammogramy?
    Are mammograms painful?
    Where should I get a mammogram?
    What if my health insurance does not cover mammograms?
    I don't have health insurance. Where can I get a free or low-cost mammogram?
    How often should I get a mammogram?
    How long until you get the results of your mammogram?
    What is an ultrasound, and when is it recommended?
    Why are mammograms not recommended for women under 30?
    Does the radiation from a mammogram cause cancer?
    How accurate are mammograms?
    Are mammograms less accurate if you are significantly overweight?
    What is "implantation displacement view"?
    I have heard of the Eklund Technique for women with breast implants. What is the Eklund Technique exactly?
    I've heard that mammograms can cause implants to burst. Is this true?
    Are MRIs better than mammograms for screening young women with a high breast cancer risk?
    Should I get a mammogram if I am pregnant?
    What happens if a woman detects an abnormality while she is nursing?
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