What’s best for you? The type and how often you get the breast cancer screening that is best for you changes as you 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 doctor 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. 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 doctor about getting a mammogram as a regular part of your healthcare plan.
*Source: The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
**Source: The American Cancer Society
Finding breast cancer early is important in the success of breast cancer treatment. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more easily and successfully it can be treated.
Resources
PresRN24/7 | Nurse Advice Service
PresRN is a nurse advice line available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.There is no charge to call our experienced registered nurses (RN) for answers to your questions and health concerns. You can call PresRN at (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300.
phs.org | Presbyterian’s website
Here you can find information on health providers, screening events, services, and other tools and resources to keep you healthy. You can also find a new provider if you do not have one.If you need help making a primary care appointment, please callConnected Care CustomerService at Presbyterian at 505-923-8000 or 1-855-780-7737.