Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Fall 2021

8 Breast cancer screenings Breast cancer screening is important for a woman’s health. The type of screening and how often it should be done changes with age. Ages 20 to 39: Some experts suggest that women have a clinical breast exam every three years, starting at age 20. Talk with your provider about how often you should have a breast exam. If you have a high risk for getting breast cancer, talk to your provider about when to begin having regular mammograms (X-ray pictures of the breast) and other screening tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ages 40 and older: It is important for you to talk to your provider about the medical data on mammograms before you decide when to start having them done and how often to have them. For women at average risk: ● A screening mammogram every two years for women ages 50 to 74 may be recommended. But the decision to start regular screening before age 50 should be up to that person. It should also be based on a woman’s values, her health history, and what she prefers. ● Women should start screening at age 45 with a mammogram every year until age 54. At age 55, women should have a mammogram every two years. ● The risk of breast cancer goes up with age. If you are 75 or older, talk to your provider about getting a mammogram as a regular part of your healthcare plan. Finding breast cancer early is important in treating it. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more easily and successfully it can be treated. To schedule an appointment, call an imaging provider in your area or visit their website. Assured Imaging RadiologyAssociates of Albuquerque (RAA) X-RayAssociates of NewMexico 1-888-233-6121 (505) 332-6967 (505) 998-5925 www.assuredwomenswellness.com www.raaonline.com www.xranm.com What’s your breast cancer risk? Women in the U.S. have a one in eight chance of getting breast cancer. But some risk factors can increase your chances. Be sure to let your doctor know if any of these apply to you: You’re older than 50. You’ve had breast cancer before. You have a mother, sister, or child who had breast or ovarian cancer. Tell your doctor if they had it before age 50. You have a family member who had cancer in both breasts. You have a male relative who had breast cancer. You have a gene mutation that boosts risk. You have Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jews in your family tree. Your first period was before age 12 and your last was after age 55. You’ve never had a full-term pregnancy. Or your first child was born after 35. You’ve used hormone therapy after menopause. You had radiation at a young age. You’re overweight. You’re not active. You drink alcohol (more than two drinks a day). Mammograms can help find breast cancer early. Talk with your provider about when to start and how often to go. If you’re at high risk, you may need to get screened at a younger age or more often. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology