You need a mammogram to protect your breast health, but figuring out when and how often to get screened can be tricky because screening guidelines vary. Here’s what you should know, according to CHI Franciscan Health healthcare officials.

Screening mammograms

Screening mammograms are your best defense against breast cancer because they help discover it in early stages. CHI Franciscan Health follows screening guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology, the American College of Radiology, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Breast Imaging, which recommend women with an average risk of developing breast cancer begin annual mammography screenings after their 40th birthday.

An overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggests that starting annual mammograms at age 40 — an age when breast tissue has become less dense than in earlier years and makes abnormal growths visible via mammography — saves lives. Nearly one-sixth of breast cancers occur in women under age 50, and breast cancers can be more aggressive in younger women.

Over the last three years, a number of women in their 40s have been diagnosed with breast cancers that would have remained undetected had it not been for screening. These women had no symptoms, and the overwhelming majority did not have a significant family history of breast cancer. Experts recommend early and regular screenings. Early detection of breast cancer improves survival rates and greatly increases the chance of a cure.

Continuing screening for added security

There is limited scientific data to support the notion that screening women over age 74 saves lives. With the high incidence of breast cancer among older women, many doctors support those who decide to continue screening beyond their 75th birthday.

However, in this age group, mammography screening should be individualized, weighing its potential risks and benefits in the context of a woman’s overall health and estimated longevity. Check with your doctor for the best recommendation for you.

When mammography is performed in conjunction with clinical breast exams and breast self-exams, the chance of detecting cancer early is even greater. Talk with your doctor about these exams and preventive strategies that may help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

A referral is not required for a screening mammogram. MRI is used as a screening tool for women who have an overall increased risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime or who have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, such as a hereditary mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumor-suppressing genes. Breast MRIs are usually recommended for these women on a yearly basis and a referral is required. Once a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is determined, screening mammography and breast MRI recommendations can be tailored to meet her individual needs.

What to expect at your appointment

When you arrive for your mammogram, you will first be asked to provide or update your personal and medical history. While no special preparation is required for a screening mammogram, you should avoid wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant or lotions on your underarms and breasts, as they can interfere with the images.

During the exam, a technologist and staff will guide you through the entire process to ensure a thorough exam and a comfortable, positive experience. Mammograms typically take fewer than 10 minutes to complete. Most women can expect to be at the breast center for 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

The process is similar when you arrive for a breast MRI, but breast MRI requires the use of intravenous contrast. An intravenous catheter will be placed in the arm to deliver contrast during the MRI exam. The exam time is approximately 30 minutes, with the entire appointment lasting about an hour.

Practice prevention

The majority of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. There are many non-genetic risk factors that contribute to breast cancer, including smoking, excessive alcohol use and obesity.

Discussing your personal risk factors with your doctor is the first step to adopting a healthier lifestyle and reducing your breast cancer risk.