Did you know that one in every eight women approximately develops breast cancer in her life, according to data given by the ACS or American Cancer Society? This is why we need to talk more and more about early detection and guidelines related to breast cancer screening. Perhaps, one of the most important screening tools at the moment is Mammography.

However, there are multiple guidelines related to when you can start and even how to undergo mammography since the processes can be very confusing for different women. According to the  American College of Radiology actually recommends that women undergo mammography screening regularly.

Stay tuned to find out more about the guidelines related to the early detection of breast cancer.

Guidelines for Early Detection of Breast Cancer!

If you don’t have much information about breast screening, then you have come to the right place. Of course, you should consult with your doctor before making any changes or even undergoing any changes – and that is absolutely mandatory. And while dealing with such issues, it’s always safe to consult the best.

But before you can start your research, scroll down to find out about the guidelines you need to know for detecting breast cancer – stay tuned to find out more about the same!

When Should You Start? 

For your first mammogram, you need to keep the following points in your mind. Remember that your mammograms serve as a major baseline for comparing the results of your subsequent mammograms.

1. Women should start discussing any type of breast cancer screening once they hit the age of forty. Between 40 and 44, women get the choice to start their annual screening if and only if they choose actually to do so! But all women must begin annually with mammograms from the age of forty-five.
2. Women who are at risk of developing cancer in their breasts, like women who come with a family history related to ovarian or breast cancer, must discuss their actual risks when it comes to medical professionals and might need to begin screening earlier.

How Often Should You Get A Mammogram?

If you want to know how you can obtain a mammogram, then follow the tips mentioned below.

1. Women are at average risk for developing cancer in their breasts once they hit fifty-five. During this time, it is imperative women should start getting mammograms at least once a year.
2. If you are above fifty-five, then you should definitely get at least one mammogram done every year. A yearly screening is recommended for risk mitigation.

Should You Get A  2D mammogram Or A 3D mammogram?

Digital 2D mammography, also referred to as digital breast tomosynthesis, is the newest technology that is often utilized in mammography. The procedure takes several images of your breasts from various angles. It has shown improvement in the early detection of breast cancer, thus reducing callbacks for repeat imaging.

Currently, the standard care for women undergoing breast screening and mammograms in Brigham is in 3D format. It depends on individual risk factors, and other supplementary imaging tools like MRI or breast magnetic resonance imaging and breast ultrasound might be appropriate.

Final Thoughts On Guidelines For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer!

And that’s a wrap on early detection of breast cancer. Prevention is always better than cure, and perhaps the best thing that you can do today, especially if you have crossed the age of forty, is to opt for a mammogram. You can go for either 2D or 3D, depending on what works best for you!

Tell us what your thoughts are on the early detection of breast cancer – and while sharing your thoughts, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.