Screening, Diagnostic, and 3-D Mammography
Screening, Diagnostic, and 3-D Mammography
A mammogram is a routine screening tool to detect the signs of breast cancer and other breast conditions. Your UWH of the Carolinas provider can recommend the right time to begin getting mammograms, whether it’s part of your preventative healthcare or to learn more about a symptom you’re experiencing.
Find A ProviderWhen Is It the Right Time to Get a Mammogram?
Your provider can help you determine the right time to begin getting mammograms. Most people with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms at 40 and continue annually until age 75.
However, due to limited data on whether mammograms significantly reduce mortality in this age group, the guidelines don’t provide clear recommendations for women over 74. Despite this, we believe that patients who are healthy and in good overall condition—even those older than 74—can still benefit from early detection. Mammograms can provide critical information that informs treatment decisions. We recommend continuing annual screenings as long as the patient’s overall health supports potential interventions.
If you are at higher risk for breast cancer, your provider may recommend routine screenings begin earlier. Your risk for breast cancer is evaluated by:
- Family or personal history of breast cancer or other types of cancer
- If you have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
- If you had exposure to chest radiation at a young age
Your healthcare team can help you explore whether a mammogram is right for you.
Why Are Mammograms Important?
There are two reasons your provider may recommend a mammogram, a routine screening, or to diagnose a lump or other abnormality in your breast.
Mammograms can be a preventative tool when used for routine screening. This method helps catch signs of breast cancer sooner so you can get the care you need.
If you’ve noticed a lump or other changes in your breast, a mammogram can help diagnose the cause, whether it’s a benign cyst or something more serious. If your mammogram has a potential area of concern, your provider can follow up with a biopsy.