At What Age Should You Have Your First Mammogram?

Why a Mammogram?

Mammography is considered the most effective method for early detection of breast tumors. However, it may sometimes be insufficient to provide an accurate diagnosis due to the complexity of breast tissue. If doubts remain, additional examinations will be carried out to determine whether or not anomalies are present. The patient will then be contacted to obtain more reliable results.

 

Mammography, aimed at early detection of breast cancer, is recommended for women aged 50 to 69 and should be performed every two years.

According to the data available to us, screening for this disease can lead to a 40% reduction in related mortality.

These guidelines are for women without symptoms or risks, who are invited to have a mammogram as a preventative measure.

 

Of course, if unusual symptoms or high risk factors, such as a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are detected, the competent physician will recommend a diagnostic examination such as a mammogram or any other appropriate test.

Although mammography is a recommended examination for the early detection of breast cancer and has proven effective in reducing mortality related to this disease, a debate rages about the risk of "overdiagnosis" associated with this examination. This is a discussion about the potential adverse effects resulting from the detection and treatment of tumors, which could impact the quality of life and life expectancy of screened women. For example, if the tumor detected by mammography grows slowly or if the woman dies from causes unrelated to breast cancer.

 

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When to start having a mammogram?

It is crucial to have a mammogram to ensure the health of your breasts. It is generally advisable to have your first one after the age of 40.

To ensure the health of your breasts, it is recommended to start a monthly self-examination from the age of 20. Not only will this allow you to better understand the structure of your breasts, but it will also protect you from any risks related to your family history. If you detect any abnormalities, it is important to consult your general practitioner or gynecologist.

 

To better take care of their health, it is strongly recommended that women over 50 have a mammogram. If there is no history of breast cancer in their family, this procedure should be repeated every two years. For those at high risk, the frequency of examinations should be annual. The age of mammography in question.

 

Many women wonder about the ideal times and age to have a mammogram. Let's try to briefly answer some frequently asked questions about the age of mammography:

  • At what age should you have your first mammogram? In healthy women without risk factors;
  • Baseline mammogram between the 35th and 38th year of age;
  • From 40 to 50 years old, every 2 years;
  • From 50 years old, depending on the structure of the breast tissue, every 1 to 2 years;

For a more personalized approach, it is advisable to have a mammogram for women from the age of 30 if they have a family history.

To better take into account your health, if you have a personal history such as a previous tumor or the onset of cancer, it is strongly recommended that you undergo check-up examinations every 12 months.

 

If you notice lumps or hardening in your breast, a discharge of fluid from the nipple, or swollen lymph nodes under your armpit, it is important to have mammogram and ultrasound examinations as soon as possible. Your health is our priority.

 

In case of uncertain diagnosis of a previous mammogram, an assessment is carried out on prescription:

  • On what day should you have a mammogram? For an optimal mammogram, it is recommended to schedule it at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. For premenopausal women, it is advisable to schedule it between the 5th and 15th day of their cycle. However, if concerns arise about a possible lump or other changes, the examination can be performed at any time. For postmenopausal women, there is no specific need for the timing of the examination.
  • What is the recommended frequency for having a mammogram? Recent research has shown that screening mammography is effective for people aged 40 to 49 when performed annually. However, for women over 50, this frequency can be extended to 2 years.
  • When is it necessary to have a mammogram? To maintain good health and prevent potential problems, it is advisable to have a periodic mammogram for all women of childbearing age. Before the age of 35, if no problems are found and there are no risk factors, a thorough breast examination and ultrasound may usually suffice. From the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended. It is imperative to have a mammogram, regardless of age, if a lump or sudden changes in the nipple are discovered. In some cases, even in young women, the gynecologist or breast specialist may recommend a mammogram if the composition of the breasts is questionable.

 

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