What Is Screening Mammography?

Mammography is a type of low-dose x-ray that reveals masses and microcalcifications within, and around the breast, that may indicate breast problems including cancer and other diseases.

Experts recommend a screening mammogram annually to increase the chance of early cancer detection and treatment. Women who qualify for annual screening mammograms should continue to screen as long as they are in good health.

Who Is a Candidate?

• Women between the ages of 40-44 should have the option to start screening with mammography yearly

• Women beginning at age 45 should get annual screening mammograms

• Women at high-risk for breast cancer can begin at age 30. High-risk is defined as having a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20-25% or greater than other patients. These high-risk patients should get a yearly mammogram and importantly, a breast MRI. High-risk patients are:

• Patients with a known gene mutation, BRCA1 or BRCA2 (based on genetic testing)

• Those with a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves

• Have received radiation therapy to the chest/thorax when they were between the ages of 10 and 30

• You, or a first-degree relative, have Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS)