Our Screening Mammography Recommendations
We follow the American College of Radiology/Society of Breast Imaging (ACR/SBI) screening recommendations. While both the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have revised their screening mammography guidelines, their data still indicates that starting annual mammography at age 40 saves the most lives.
Average Risk Women
- Screening mammograms starting at age 40
- Yearly exams thereafter as long as in reasonably good health
High-Risk Women
- Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or genetic mutation may benefit from starting screening earlier than age 40
- Consult your physician about when to start mammography & if any additional imaging is needed such as high-risk breast MRI
Women age 75 and Older
- Continue to get screening mammograms (comparatively high incidence of breast cancer found in this age group)
- Cancer screening may still be valuable for older individuals (By Amerigo Allegretto, AuntMinnie.com staff writer, Dr. Destounis quoted)
- Read 2018 research done at EWBC
Self Breast Awareness
- Learn to identify possible changes in breasts
- Continue yearly check-ups & clinical breast exams by health care providers
Resources
WHY Screen at 40 Society of Breast Imaging (SBI)
THINGS to Know about Breast imaging Society of Breast Imaging (SBI)
Deanna Dewberry addresses screening guidelines (WHEC TV Oct 18, 2019)
Mammography Saves Lives (Society of Breast Imaging/American College of Radiology website)
New guidelines from ACR and SBI call for major changes to breast cancer screening process
The American Society of Breast Surgeons position statement
Breast Cancer Screening in Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Recommendations From the ACR
Screening Guidelines Comparison Sheet (densebreast-info.org)